Latest news with #CompetitionCouncil
Morocco World
5 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
9 Fuel Giants Control 84% of Morocco's Market, Pocket MAD 2.3 Billion
Marrakech – Morocco's Competition Council has unveiled its long-awaited report on the net margins of petroleum distributors, revealing that the fuel market generated a cumulative net profit of nearly MAD 2.3 billion ($230 million) in 2024, with an overall turnover of approximately MAD 77.9 billion ($7.79 billion). The report, made public on Thursday, shows that the average net margin per liter of fuel sold in 2024 reached 43 centimes for diesel and about 61 centimes for gasoline. This represents an average net margin rate of 2.9% across the market, significantly higher than the 1% average observed during the 2022-2024 period, which amounted to 16 centimes per liter for diesel and 31 centimes for gasoline. Despite this improvement, the 2024 market net margin rate (2.9%) remains below levels reached in 2019 (3.1%), 2020 (3.1%), and 2021 (3.4%). The Council noted that this recovery follows an exceptional period in 2022-2023 characterized by deteriorating financial performance for almost all companies in the sector. 'In 2022, inflation and high volatility in fuel prices on the international market reduced operators' profit margins to a net margin rate of 0.6%,' the Competition Council explained. 'In 2023, the net results of the companies were impacted by fines imposed by the Council as part of settlement agreements, which further weighed on their results, bringing the net margin rate to -0.5%.' Silent shift underway as newcomers gradually chip away at established oligopoly The Council's structural analysis shows that while nine major companies – including Afriquia SMDC, Vivo Energy, and TotalEnergies Marketing – maintain their dominance, their market share has declined from 89% in 2023 to 84% in 2024. This shift has benefited newer entrants like BGN Energy Maroc, BB Energy, and Apollo Petroleum, signaling a gradual erosion of the established oligopoly. The transformation extends beyond margins to storage capacity and distribution network expansion. The national declared storage capacity reached 1.15 million tons by the end of 2024, marking a 7.4% increase compared to 2023. The distribution network expanded to 3,534 service stations, with 72% still controlled by the nine major operators. Sales volumes jumped by 3% to reach 7.3 billion liters, reflecting the impact of sales volume rather than prices on the sector's aggregated financial performance. First quarter 2025 trends confirm disparities Preliminary results for the first quarter of 2025 confirm ongoing market disparities, with the average gross commercial margin reaching MAD 1.24 per liter for diesel and MAD 1.95 per liter for gasoline, with peaks of up to MAD 2.11 per liter. Despite slight decreases in international prices, selling prices applied by distributors to partner gas stations remain high, widening the gap with tax-free purchase costs. The report also notes that gasoline imports from the nine distribution companies reached 163,000 tons during the first quarter of 2025, a 31% increase compared to the previous year. The value of these imports rose by 15%, from MAD 1.117 billion ($111.7 million) during the first quarter of 2024 to approximately MAD 1.285 billion ($128.5 million) in 2025. These companies maintained their grip on the market, accounting for approximately 82% of both the volume and value of market imports during the first quarter of 2025. Their import volume grew by 4% during this period, rising from 1.28 million tons in 2024 to about 1.33 million tons in 2025. Financial performance reveals sector's profitability The strong financial performance of 2024 is evident in the 30% return on capital employed (ROCE) and 29% return on equity (ROE) across the sector. However, these figures must be interpreted considering significant variations among operators. Some companies that were previously among the most generous in profit distribution suspended these distributions in 2024, leading to a decline in the average dividend distribution rate to 41% (compared to 87% during the 2018-2021 period). A longitudinal study revealed a decline in profitability over the medium term. When comparing the periods between 2018-2021 and 2022-2024, the average profit margin decreased by half (from 3.7% to 1.8%), despite investment levels remaining stable at around MAD 1.3 billion ($130 million) annually. The report stresses that the good performance recorded in 2024 is not sufficient to revive a sustainable, long-term dynamic. Tax revenues show structural importance of sector Tax revenues from diesel and gasoline imports reached approximately MAD 6.86 billion ($686 million) during the first quarter of 2025, compared to MAD 6.45 billion ($645 million) collected during the same period last year, representing an increase of over 6.4%. This rise is attributed to growing revenues from domestic consumption tax due to increased fuel import volumes (up 10%). Domestic consumption tax revenues amounted to MAD 5.13 billion ($513 million) (75% of total tax revenues), recording annual growth of 10.3% (a difference of MAD 480 million ($48 million)). Value-added tax revenues on imports declined by 4% to nearly MAD 1.73 billion ($173 million), representing 25% of total tax revenues on imports for these two fuels. Analysis by fuel type shows that 83% of total tax revenues during the first quarter of 2025 came from diesel imports, equivalent to MAD 5.7 billion ($570 million). Revenues from gasoline imports represented MAD 1.16 billion ($116 million), or 17% of total revenues for this period. This report is part of the country's national capital market watchdog's ongoing quarterly monitoring of wholesale diesel and gasoline distribution companies' commitments, based on settlement agreements concluded with the Competition Council. Tags: Morocco's competition councilPetroleum companies in Morocco
Ya Biladi
29-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan Competition Council targets Glovo for anti-competitive practices
The general rapporteur of the Competition Council announced on Wednesday that formal grievances have been issued to a company accused of anti-competitive practices in Morocco's digital meal delivery market, both nationally and locally. The notice, issued under Article 29 of Law 104.12 on the freedom of prices and competition (as amended and supplemented), marks the start of an adversarial process and ensures the company's right to a fair defense, according to a statement from the general rapporteur. The same statement noted that, in line with its legal mandate under the Constitution, Law 20.13 on the Competition Council, and Law 104.12, the Council opened an investigation on February 19, 2024, through decision 20/D/2024, to examine allegations of anti-competitive practices in the digital meal ordering and delivery market across Morocco. The investigation found evidence of anti-competitive behavior by Glovo, a major player in the sector. The alleged practices include abusing its dominant market position, exploiting the economic dependence of its business partners, and engaging in unfairly low pricing. The statement also made clear that the notice of grievances does not prejudge the final outcome. The final decision rests with the Council's board, which will rule after a fair and thorough investigation, ensuring the company's right to defend itself.
Ya Biladi
09-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Moroccan competition council probes 20-year sardine market collusion
The Competition Council announced on Thursday the launch of an investigation to determine the existence of alleged anti-competitive practices in the industrial sardine supply market. «As part of its duties and responsibilities defined by the Constitution, Law No. 20-13 relating to the Competition Council, and Law No. 104-12 on freedom of prices and competition — as amended and supplemented — aimed at regulating market competition and protecting consumer interests, the Competition Council has initiated an investigation into potential anti-competitive practices in the industrial sardine supply market», stated a communiqué from the Council's general rapporteur. Investigative actions carried out by the Council's instruction and inquiry services have gathered sufficient evidence suggesting the existence of anti-competitive agreements among several actors in the industrial sardine supply chain. These agreements reportedly aimed to restrict competition in the sector over a 20-year period. Specifically, they involved the concerted fixing of first-sale prices of industrial sardines — undermining free market pricing by artificially inflating or deflating prices — and the coordinated allocation and limitation of production, restricting market access and the free exercise of competition by other players. Accordingly, the general rapporteur of the Competition Council stated that, in line with Article 29 of Law No. 104-12, grievances have been formally notified to 15 professional organizations allegedly involved in these practices. These organizations include shipowners, processing units engaged in the industrial transformation of fish, and wholesalers purchasing seafood products at first sale for market distribution.
Jordan News
09-03-2025
- Business
- Jordan News
Experts: The "Amended Competition Law" Protects the Market and Supports Investments - Jordan News
Economic and legal experts affirmed that the draft amended Competition Law for 2025, approved by the Cabinet a few days ago, is extremely important in limiting any practices that could harm the local market, thus supporting the attraction of investments. اضافة اعلان In an interview with the Jordan News Agency (Petra), the experts stated that the amendment includes key provisions that would benefit the national economy, particularly in addressing unjustified price increases if it is implemented properly by establishing a Competition Council as outlined in the amendment. They pointed out that having independence in making decisions related to monopolistic practices and price setting through the Competition Council would strengthen the investment environment. Last week, the Cabinet approved the draft amendment to the Competition Law for 2025, preparing it to be sent to the Parliament for discussion and the necessary procedures for its formal approval. The aim of the draft law is to develop mechanisms for implementing competition policies in the Kingdom by enhancing institutional capacity for the administrative body responsible for applying the law according to best global practices. This includes granting the Competition Protection Directorate sufficient independence in decision-making, executive powers, and the development of tools for investigating complaints and the ability to pursue them with the Public Prosecutor. The draft law comes as part of a series of legislations linked to the economic modernization vision and its executive program, driven by the government's effort to enhance and protect free and effective competition in the Kingdom. It aims to create an economic environment based on fair competition, which serves as a foundation for sustainable economic growth, stimulates development and innovation, and acts as a tool for protecting consumers from monopolistic practices, ensuring they have access to diverse products and services of quality and at competitive prices. The draft law includes the establishment of a "Competition Affairs Council," which will work as an advisory body responsible for setting the general competition policy in the Kingdom. The council will include members from both the public and private sectors. The law's amendments could also contribute to improving Jordan's ranking in global business facilitation standards and attracting investments within a fair competitive environment. The amendments also include stricter penalties for repeat competition violations, narrowing the scope of exemptions in the law and criteria for granting them, and developing tools to detect anti-competitive practices according to best practices that regulate competitive environments. Legal expert and Professor of Law at Ajloun National University, Dr. Muntaser Al-Qudah, stated that the timing of the draft amendment to the Competition Law is appropriate. He emphasized that the law is crucial for protecting the market from monopolistic practices by certain traders who possess significant financial capabilities and can control certain goods and services by setting their prices. Dr. Al-Qudah affirmed that the law is very important, with the Competition Directorate at the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply playing an essential role in protecting consumers from monopolies and the potential dominance of some business owners in the local market. He pointed out that the current law includes a committee chaired by the Minister of Industry and Trade, whereas the new amendment proposes the formation of a Competition Affairs Council, which must include experts and competent individuals to enhance its supervisory and executive role when necessary. He further noted that the financial penalties in the current law are somewhat adequate, but he called for a clearer and more detailed specification of the authority's powers, particularly concerning the issue of economic concentration. Commercial law attorney, Baha Al-Aramouti, mentioned that the current competition law, issued in 2004, has not been effectively enforced. He emphasized that activating it would help limit illegal practices such as price-fixing agreements and monopolies. The draft law, with its establishment of the Competition Council, will help curb these practices due to its independence. Al-Aramouti added that the amendment would restrict the Ministry's powers in granting exemptions from the application of the Competition Law, which is excellent for regulating the market. He also emphasized that the council would be responsible for developing plans to study markets, investigate reasons for price increases, and take necessary actions without waiting for complaints. Dr. Iyad Abu Hiltam, President of the East Amman Industrial Investors Association, noted that the current Competition Law, supervised by the Competition Directorate at the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply, is one of the requirements of international laws and agreements related to anti-monopoly practices. It aims to ensure fair competition, protect consumers, and meet the conditions for joining the World Trade Organization and improving Jordan's position on competitiveness and investment indicators. He added that having a Competition Law enhances the investment environment, as both local and foreign investors seek laws that protect competitors' rights and reduce market distortions, attracting more investments. Abu Hiltam considered the amendment of the current law highly important for institutionalizing the work of the proposed advisory council, which would give the private sector a role in organizing market practices. Dr. Qasem Al-Hammouri, Professor of Economics at Yarmouk University, stated that activating the Competition Law will have a significant impact on improving economic growth and the investment environment. For his part, Dr. Mohammad Obaidat, President of the National Consumer Protection Association, affirmed that the existence of a Competition Law is closely linked to the most important consumer right — the right to choose the product or service they wish to acquire from a variety of available alternatives in the market. This law also ensures their right to be informed about the characteristics and specifications of goods and services. He added that activating the Competition Law protects consumers from policies that may be practiced by some producers or traders. He emphasized that both the Consumer Protection Law and the Competition Law aim to establish preventive measures that improve and protect consumers from monopolistic practices or market dominance. (Petra)
Morocco World
26-02-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Social Media Activists Call for Sardines' Boycott over Prices Controversy
Rabat – Following a controversy over prices, Moroccan social media activists are calling for a campaign to boycott sardines during the holy month of Ramadan. The campaign comes after authorities in Marrakech reportedly shut down a young man's store that sold fish at the lowest prices compared to others in the market. In closing the store, local authorities said Abdelilah, the owner, was not storing his products in the required hygienic conditions. But social campaigners, who have chosen #خليه_يخناز (let it rotten) as their boycott's hashtag, believe Abdelilah exposed the truth of the middlemen's dishonest manipulation of fish prices. Abdelilah, also known as Abdo or 'Moul Lhout' (fish vendor) among netizens, said yesterday in a video that he is undergoing a fierce campaign and overload of pressure from people whose interests conflict with his initiative. As the controversy lingers, the ministry in charge of the fish industry has made no official statements to provide a clear vision of what's going on in the story of conflicting fish prices. A heated debate is circulating on social media over fish prices accompanied by a tug of war. Some claim that Abdo is losing profit from selling fish at lower prices, compensating for that from TikTok and other social media platform gains. Others believe that Moul Lhout has unveiled middlemen's dishonest manipulation of prices. Against the backdrop of this intense controversy, some Moroccan social media activists are calling for a campaign to boycott fish starting from the first day of Ramadan. Read also: Morocco's Competition Council Investigates Potential Violation of Sardine Market Competition Standards The Wali of Marrakech orders the release of Abdelilah's fish The Governor of Marrakech, Farid Chourak, ordered the release of Abdelilah 'Moul El Hout,' receiving the young man in his office to let him know that he can reopen his shop and resume his activity. Marrakech's Wali also paved the way for Abdo to return to the wholesale market in the city. Converging reports said that the governor assured the young fish vendor, who exposed the extent of controversy that raises the prices of fish, that he could contact him personally if he was subjected to any harassment. Abdelilah appeared in a video surrounded by citizens while he was on his way back with his fish stock to reopen his store, saying 'the Wali told me to give fish to the 'poor.'' The question remains: did Abdelilah win over middlemen's manipulation of fish prices? Citizens' opinion on fish price controversy Morocco World News (MWN) approached a fishmonger at Rabat's central market and asked him about the ongoing controversy over fish prices. The MAD 5 price is for a low-quality type of Sardines, the vendor said, adding that Abdo 'sold the said sardines at lowest prices with no profit, but he compensated this by selling a similar kind to calamari charging the fish's actual price.' A citizen who was at the market to buy sardines said in an interview with MWN: 'We know that fish prices in Morocco are subject to supply and demand, but officials should take the initiative to regulate fish prices' manipulation.' Officials 'should interfere to make things clear to citizens about the actual prices of fish,' he added, citing recent declarations in which the federation of fish wholesalers urged their members to further lower their prices. While the official price of a kilo of sardines is 15 dirhams, customers sometimes pay up to 25 dirhams for a kilo of the so-called poor man's fish. The fishmonger said that today's price of sardines in the market is MAD 15 for a kilo, while the citizen confirmed to MWN that he bought one kilo for MAD 25. Abdellatif Saadouni, President of the National Confederation of Fish Wholesale Vendors, said in an interview with Moroccan Channel 2M that the price of sardines in the wholesale market is MAD 6, adding that their responsibility stops at selling to retailers. Saadouni further noted that officials should take steps and investigate the ins and outs of the change in prices, which according to him should be between 6 and 7 dirhams when they reach the final destination. The controversy over fish prices has led many citizens to raise concerns over the government's role in regulating and monitoring goods prices in the markets.
