– It is important to point out that despite government support, carriers are suffering from this sustained increase in the price of diesel. Today, transporters are dying and some have even stopped their activity. With these increases, we expect a price that will perhaps be around 19/20 DHS per liter at the pump in the coming month. In the month of June alone, we recorded 17% more on the price of diesel.
We do not neglect the support of the State, but given that it lasts, the amount allocated to date loses its weight as the price of diesel soars practically every week, even every 2 days. The government has announced a 40% increase on the current amount of the subsidy. She will be welcome. But until when ? Today, the cost per kilometer varies between 35% and 40% and can go up to 60% depending on the category of vehicles and the routes taken.
– In your opinion, what are the appropriate measures for the present crisis?
– Our federation of transport and logistics affiliated to the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) has proposed several structural measures, indexation remains the decisive element to alleviate the problem of rising diesel prices. This sovereign system makes it possible to pass on the rise as well as the fall in transport prices at regulated percentages. And consequently creates transparency in the relationship between shippers and carriers. The European experience has proven itself in this direction. The lack of indexing only worsens the relationship between the originator and the carrier.
– Pushbacks of Moroccan drivers were recently recorded following the activation of the countdown of drivers’ entries and exits. What are your recommendations for getting out of the crisis?
– Indeed, through these pushbacks, the delay in granting visas, the rejection of visa applications are only the consequence of the Covid-19 crisis. All the countries are reviewing their neighborhood strategy through restrictions on access for certain sectors and transport is such an important sector in all economies that it is the first target.
As the Transport and Logistics Federation, we have done a number of actions. I think we need to work hand in hand with our line ministry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and business partners to find the right formula for Moroccan carriers to enjoy their mobility rights.
– To what extent do these actions impact commercial activity?
– Morocco is doubly impacted. Thanks to the development of the Moroccan fleet and particularly in the segments of international traction and temperature-controlled road transport, we have witnessed a downward review of transport prices from/to Morocco. This development has allowed Moroccan products for export to travel at fair prices and to be able to be on international markets as soon as possible and competitive products. The fact that our carriers are deprived of their rights risks increasing the cost of transport by foreign fleets.
– The current situation shows that we must be prepared for a new normal, which is price volatility. What measures are likely to allow road operators to show agility and avoid a plunge into debt in order to adapt as quickly as possible to this unprecedented situation?
– The crisis has shown us our limits. We must look into the axes raised by the New Development Model for the transport and logistics part. We must also support our carriers to become transport organizers, even logisticians, and be an active player in the entire value chain and not a passive one. We must give it the means to go from being a simple valet to an integrated logistician. All these actions require financial, managerial and training support from the government.