HIBAPRESS – by M. Mahyawi
The Democratic Labor Organization has sounded the alarm regarding the potential repercussions of escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, warning of direct effects on energy prices and essential materials, and the resulting additional pressure on citizens' purchasing power.
In a statement addressed to the public, the organization considered that the expected rise in oil prices, with the possibility of Brent crude reaching high levels that could reach $100 per barrel or more, would put the national economy before real challenges, especially in light of Morocco's significant reliance on importing its energy needs. Warning of the return of inflation. The union pointed out that any sharp rise in fuel prices will directly affect the cost of transportation and production, which may lead to a new inflationary wave and deepen the suffering of low- and middle-income families. It also warned of the continued rise in the prices of a number of basic foodstuffs, considering that the situation requires proactive intervention to protect social stability. Call for an emergency alert plan. The organization called on the government to prepare an integrated road map to confront any potential energy crisis, based on strengthening the strategic reserve of fuel, and adopting tax measures to reduce pressure on prices, in addition to studying the possibility of capping them when necessary to absorb external shocks. It also called for activating direct and temporary support for transportation professionals, to avoid the transfer of the effects of rising fuel prices to the prices of goods and services, along with tightening control over distribution chains. Tightening control over markets. The statement stressed the need to intensify the work of mixed monitoring committees to combat speculation and monopoly, and to ensure the availability of essential materials in the markets, while tracking the development of shipping and insurance costs in light of international fluctuations. Towards an institutional management of the crisis. The organization proposed the establishment of a government crisis cell to keep abreast of global market developments and take quick and effective decisions, in addition to expanding the scope of benefiting from social protection programs to include the categories recently affected by price fluctuations. The union concluded its statement by emphasizing that protecting the purchasing power of citizens is a top priority, considering that the cost of proactive intervention remains less than the social repercussions of any delay in decision-making.
