Morocco Establishes Hotline 5757 to Address Ramadan Consumer Issues

Morocco has launched hotline 5757 to handle consumer complaints regarding rising food prices as Ramadan begins. The service allows citizens to report issues with market supply, pricing, fraud, and illegal practices. Accessible throughout the month, it is part of government measures to ensure food availability and protect consumer rights amid traditional pricing challenges.

As Ramadan commences, Morocco has introduced the dedicated hotline number 5757 to handle consumer complaints and observations during the holy month. This initiative addresses concerns regarding rising food prices, particularly affecting essential items commonly associated with Iftar, the meal to break the fast.

The hotline serves as a centralized communication channel for Moroccans to voice complaints regarding market supply, pricing, product quality, and safety during Ramadan. Additionally, it enables citizens to report fraudulent activities, illegal commercial practices, and other infractions requiring regulatory oversight.

Accessible from any phone using national telecommunications networks, hotline 5757 allows direct contact with dedicated consumer complaint reception and monitoring teams across various provinces. This service operates daily throughout Ramadan from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., charging callers at standard landline rates without extra fees.

This measure follows a meeting of the Interministerial Commission for Market Supply and Price Monitoring held on February 4, emphasizing the need for stringent controls amid heightened consumer demand for essential food products traditionally consumed during Ramadan. Authorities are committed to ensuring a stable supply of basic food items while reinforcing protections against illegal practices.

Nadia Fettah, Minister of Economy and Finance, remarked, “The government has implemented numerous measures to ensure product availability for citizens, while maintaining optimal health conditions and prices adapted to their purchasing power.” Despite reassurances from officials, concerns about typical price increases during Ramadan persist among Moroccan households.

Consumers are especially anxious about the rising prices of traditional food items available in souks and supermarkets, such as dried fruits, dates, and honey. The current pricing controversies, particularly surrounding sardines, reflect disparities in fish prices due to the intermediary sales process, leading to prices spiking dramatically from port to consumer.

The fishing industry faces challenges exacerbated by climate change and overfishing, prompting a temporary biological rest period to support marine life recovery. Seasonal vendors, particularly in the pastry and dates sectors, note that Ramadan provides significant business opportunities; however, issues related to pricing and supply chain inefficiencies remain prevalent.

In summary, Ramadan in Morocco encapsulates culinary traditions intertwined with economic tribulations. The government is poised to diligently monitor market conditions to mitigate fraud and unfair pricing practices, safeguarding consumer purchasing power.

In conclusion, the introduction of the 5757 hotline signifies Morocco’s proactive stance to address consumer concerns during Ramadan. As households prepare for the holy month, rising food prices, particularly for traditional items, remain a pressing issue. The government’s commitment to monitoring and regulating markets aims to ensure fairness and accessibility for all consumers.

Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com