Cooking oil: Smuggling worries Algerian Moroccan industrial

500 to 1000 tons of edible oil, from Algeria, were introduced illegally into the Moroccan market each month, said Samir Oudghiri Drissi, president of the Refiners Association of Morocco and CEO of Lesieur Cristal. Even if the Moroccan Customs does not confirm the figures, it does not invalidate either. These figures represent "5% of domestic consumption and 60% of the eastern region," he told The Economist. Knowing that the monthly consumption of cooking oil in Morocco is between 20 000 and 25 000 tonnes. In one year, the Algerian cooking oil is 80% in grocery stores in the Oriental region. The rise of smuggling concern the domestic producers who struggle for human resources, material and financial resources invested in the long run to get such results. "It takes up to eight years to reach a digital distribution from 40 to 60%," says Oudghiri Drissi.
Main cause: the price differential
In Oujda, the bottle of cooking oil Algerian five liters costs 55 dirhams. While Morocco is sold between 78 and 83 dirhams depending on the brand. Consequence: local businesses recorded huge losses in the region of Eastern [Oujda, Nador and even in Taza]. Product Algerian "could happen tomorrow in Meknes, Casablanca and even", warns the president of the refiners. The situation is particularly alarming that "it is difficult now to run our agencies properly. Some competitors have begun to downsize, "he added. Mr. Oudghiri Drissi says nonetheless that "the Algerian industrial are not involved, but the smugglers."
Health risk
Besides the reduced turnover, industry raised the issue of oil quality counterfeit. "Local production is strictly controlled. What ensures that the Algerian cooking oil is also smuggled? "Asks Mr. Driss Oudghiri. For if the housewife is concerned in general the price, this is not always the case for product quality. At least not to the point of checking carefully. Literally exposing the population to a significant health risk. The National Food Safety (ONSSA) ensures conducting patrols to secure the market. Customs also said tracking "hard contraband, including cooking oil." However, manufacturers are determined to wage their war to the end. They plan a meeting soon with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and New Technologies. It will matter for them to present their concerns, as a government solution is needed. Note that the Algerian smuggling in the region of the East for almost all consumer products.