As the cost of living continues to rise in Morocco, fish prices have once again become a flashpoint of public frustration. Among the various types of seafood experiencing significant price hikes, shrimp has emerged as a notable concern for both consumers and professionals in the fishing industry.

The Shrimp Surge

Once an affordable staple for many Moroccan households, shrimp has seen its price soar to 70 dirhams (USD 7.16) per kilogram. This sharp increase, while not as dramatic as other varieties of fish, has nonetheless sparked discontent, particularly as shrimp holds a prominent place in local diets and festivities.

The escalation in price is not limited to shrimp; other seafood varieties, such as sardines, sole, and squid, have also followed a similar trajectory, yet shrimp stands out due to its relatively modest size but outsized demand.

A High-Season Premium

Industry professionals cite a familiar culprit behind the rise in prices: seasonal demand. The end of summer and beginning of autumn often see a surge in seafood consumption, coinciding with traditional celebrations and favorable weather conditions for fishing.

Yet this year, the demand for shrimp appears particularly acute, pushing prices higher than usual. The confluence of factors—both seasonal and structural—has made shrimp a delicacy more out of reach for many Moroccan families.

Shrimp in Context

Compared to other seafood, shrimp’s current price tag is moderate. Sole, for instance, has reached between 100 and 120 dirhams (USD 10.23 to 12.27) per kilogram, while squid now commands 80 dirhams (USD 8.18).

However, the broader issue is one of affordability, as many Moroccans are feeling the pinch across all segments of the seafood market. Whiting, another popular fish, has seen prices fluctuate between 50 and 70 dirhams (USD 5.11 to 7.16) per kilogram, illustrating the wide-reaching impact of inflationary pressures on the entire seafood sector.