Morocco subsidies to vegetal oil in 2nd half of 2000

Moroccan minister in charge of the government general affairs, Ahmed Lahlimi, said Tuesday state subsidies to vegetal oil $ 81.8 million (900 million DH) in the 2nd half of 2000.

Speaking at the question-time of the chamber of advisors (upper house of parliament), the minister said these subsidies did not profit to producers nor to consumers as Morocco still imports 90 to 95% of its needs in vegetal oil.

He added that only well-to-do households in cities, largest consumers of this goods, profited from these subsidies.

The minister also told advisors a producer is ready to invest $ 18 million in the sector, in view of the promising perspectives of production, mainly after it became possible to sell on the Moroccan market oil-based products provided that constituents are mentioned on the product.