Morocco’s natural gas imports fell by 15 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, official data showed, as authorities sought to reassure the public over supply stability despite global energy tensions.
The North African country imported 1.98 terawatt-hours of gas between January and March, according to figures compiled by energy platform Attaqa, reflecting a notable decline compared with the same period last year.
The drop comes against a backdrop of supply disruptions linked in part to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have weighed on global energy markets and contributed to volatility in fuel flows.
Data showed that imports initially rose at the start of the year before declining sharply in subsequent months, with February volumes falling to around 572 gigawatt-hours compared with roughly 700 gigawatt-hours a year earlier.
Despite the decline and reports of intermittent supply interruptions, Moroccan officials have moved to calm concerns about potential shortages.
More Read
Energy Minister Leila Benali said in April that national fuel reserves were sufficient to cover domestic demand for several months, highlighting what she described as a stable supply situation.
According to government estimates, diesel stocks currently cover around 47 days of consumption, while gasoline reserves extend beyond 49 days.
Authorities have faced growing public frustration over rising fuel costs, which have put pressure on household budgets and increased transport and logistics expenses.
More Read
Prices at the pump have fluctuated in recent weeks, with diesel and gasoline both falling slightly to just below 15 dirhams per litre, though they remain elevated compared with previous years.
Economy and Finance Minister Nadia Fettah Alaoui told parliament that the government has been spending around 1.6 billion dirhams (about US$160 million) per month since mid-March to cushion the impact of higher energy prices.
She said the rise in fuel costs was largely driven by international factors, including heightened geopolitical tensions that have pushed global oil prices to between US$100 and US$110 per barrel.
“We cannot isolate our prices from global reality,” she said, noting that increases in crude prices have translated into higher domestic costs.
Officials say Morocco continues to rely on a mix of suppliers for its liquefied natural gas imports, including shipments originating from the United States and Russia, as it seeks to diversify sources and reduce vulnerability to disruptions.
The government has also reiterated its long-term goal of strengthening energy security through major infrastructure projects and strategic partnerships.
Among these is the planned Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline, which aims to connect West African gas reserves to Morocco and potentially European markets, boosting supply resilience and supporting domestic demand.
Morocco has increasingly prioritised energy diversification in recent years, investing in renewable energy alongside conventional fuel imports to reduce dependence on external sources.
Analysts say the latest import figures highlight the challenges facing energy-importing nations as they navigate uncertain global markets, while also underlining the importance of maintaining adequate reserves and flexible supply chains.
For now, authorities insist that the situation remains under control, even as external pressures continue to shape the country’s energy outlook.
