Rabat, Morocco — Energy Minister Leila Benali has weighed in on the debate surrounding Morocco’s use of GMT+1 during the winter months, suggesting that the move to save energy has not delivered the anticipated results. Addressing the House of Representatives, Benali noted that the change has not led to a significant reduction in overall energy consumption, challenging the efficacy of the daylight saving time practice.
The revelation follows a robust petition that gathered over 344,000 signatures advocating for the abolition of GMT+1.
The petition highlights the detrimental impact of the additional hour on students, affecting their concentration and educational quality. It also raises concerns about the disruption to family life and social stability, as the country’s time adjustment is only suspended during Ramadan.
The adoption of GMT+1 year-round was implemented in 2018 through Draft Decree 2. 18. 855, reversing a previous practice of using it only during the summer.
Despite numerous studies casting doubt on the policy’s effectiveness, Morocco has maintained the change.
The African Center for Strategic and Digital Studies (CAESD) conducted a study earlier this year, finding that GMT+1 disrupts sleep patterns, makes morning commutes darker, and hinders concentration in schools, particularly affecting students and teenagers. Benali also addressed the ongoing efforts to secure the national energy market amidst global disruptions. She confirmed that Morocco is diversifying its import sources, sourcing energy resources from the US, South America, and various European countries.
Contracts secured will cover electricity production needs until next June, while petroleum product reserves are sufficient for over 47 days of national diesel consumption and over 49 days for gasoline.
The Ministry of Energy is closely monitoring and reinforcing supply conditions, despite disruptions affecting some ports. To support energy prices and protect purchasing power, the government has allocated a budget of MAD 1. 6 billion.
This includes MAD 600 million to subsidize butane gas, MAD 400 million for the electricity sector, and subsidies for transport professionals totaling MAD 648 million monthly.
In response to the rising international crude oil and refined product prices, Morocco’s Competition Council has vowed to continue monitoring their impact on national supply conditions and price formation.
The Council emphasized the direct influence of international fluctuations on both, noting that these assessments will be conducted during the first half of March 2026.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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By This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: moroccoworldnews
Source: Safaa Kasraoui
