Chicken prices in Morocco have surged to 23 dirhams per kilogram in many neighborhoods, frustrating consumers and straining household budgets. The increase comes despite earlier assurances from poultry professionals that prices would remain below 20 dirhams this summer.
Heat and Demand Squeeze Supply
Multiple factors are driving the spike. Extreme heat has caused significant poultry losses, reducing flock sizes and lowering egg viability, particularly in farms without adequate cooling systems. At the same time, demand has risen sharply due to weddings, restaurant activity, and summer celebrations.
Union official Abdelkrim Kadouri noted that weekly chick production fell below 9 million in early July, compared to the 10 million needed to stabilize supply. While production has since rebounded, any meaningful relief on prices may only come within six weeks.
Feed, Energy, and Market Pressures
The poultry federation highlighted additional challenges, including the rising costs of imported feed, energy, and transport. Middlemen speculation has further distorted the market, amplifying the pressure on consumers.
Consumer rights advocate Redouane Zouitni urged stronger oversight of the poultry sector to curb profiteering and ensure affordability for households.
Outlook
With demand still elevated and heat-related losses ongoing, poultry prices are likely to remain high in the short term. The expected improvement in chick production may gradually ease pressure, but producers warn that structural issues—such as reliance on imported feed and energy—will continue to weigh on Morocco’s poultry market.
