Moroccan markets have recorded a significant rise in sardine prices over the past two days, with the cost per kilogram reaching around 50 dirhams in several cities, coinciding with the end of the biological rest period and the approach of Ramadan.
Available data indicate that the increase comes at a time when demand for seafood products traditionally grows ahead of the holy month, as sardines have long represented a key source of protein for many low- and middle-income households across Morocco.
Professional and union sources state that the price surge is linked to overlapping factors, most notably the near absence of pelagic fish, particularly sardines and anchovies, during recent weeks due to the continuation of the biological rest period, which officially ends today.
Weather disturbances and high waves along the coastline also led to the suspension of trips by several artisanal and coastal fishing boats, resulting in lower catch volumes supplied to markets.
In addition, frozen sardine stocks, previously used to offset supply shortages, have declined significantly, widening the gap between supply and demand and pushing prices to higher levels, as markets await the resumption of fishing activity from tomorrow, pending improved weather conditions and stable landing volumes in the coming days.