Markets for premium wood charcoal in the city of Salé have witnessed a noticeable rise in prices in recent days, as Eid al-Adha approaches and demand increases for grilling supplies and shisha cafés.
According to local traders and industry professionals, the price of one kilogram of charcoal rose from around 7 Moroccan dirhams to between 13 and 15 dirhams, while prices in some neighborhoods exceeded 20 dirhams amid strong seasonal demand.
Professional sources attributed the increase to higher purchasing activity by Moroccan households preparing for Eid al-Adha, in addition to growing demand from some shisha cafés, which reportedly increased pressure on supply in local markets.
Market observers also pointed to reduced supply and speculative trading practices as contributing factors behind the price hikes, while consumer protection associations called for stronger market monitoring and closer supervision of prices during the holiday season.
Several consumers said charcoal has become one of the products most affected by rising prices ahead of Eid, at a time when many consumer goods are experiencing inflation, while professional sources expect prices to gradually decline after the holiday period as supply and demand stabilize.