The energy sector in Morocco is undergoing a period of profound transformation, marked by unprecedented volatility in global prices. Understanding where Moroccan hydrocarbon imports come from has become a top priority for grasping national sovereignty issues and the direct impact on citizens’ wallets. Since the closure of the SAMIR refinery in 2015, the Kingdom has radically altered its supply model, shifting from purchasing crude oil to importing finished refined products. This transition, while logistical at its core, now places the country at the heart of a complex geopolitical chessboard where every tension in the Middle East or Eastern Europe resonates immediately at gas stations in Casablanca or Marrakech.
In the context of the energy transition and supply chain pressures, Morocco must balance its historical partners with new market opportunities. Dependence on imports remains almost total for fossil fuels, making the Moroccan economy particularly sensitive to fluctuations in the dollar and the price of a barrel. Beyond the raw numbers, the origin of these resources outlines the new map of the country’s energy security. Between the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline operating in reverse flow and the emergence of new suppliers for butane gas, Morocco is diversifying its sources to avoid any stockouts that could be fatal to its industry and growth.
Spain a Key Partner for Refined Products
Spain holds a prominent place in the Moroccan energy mix, representing up to 21% of imports of petroleum products. This figure might be surprising since the Iberian neighbor is neither an oil nor a gas producer. However, Spain possesses an extremely efficient industrial refining tool and some of the most important regasification terminals in Europe. Specifically, Spain buys crude oil on global markets, processes it into diesel or gasoline in its own refineries, and then re-exports these finished products to Morocco. This geographical proximity reduces transport costs and allows for great flexibility in deliveries, making the peninsula a true logistical hub for the Kingdom.
The gas relationship between the two countries also took a historic turn with the use of the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline (GME) in reverse flow since 2021. Previously, this pipe transported Algerian gas to Spain via Moroccan territory. Today, following regional diplomatic tensions, gas purchased by Morocco on international markets is unloaded in Spanish ports, regasified, and then sent to the Tahaddart and Aïn Béni Mathar power plants through this same pipeline. This technical scheme perfectly illustrates Morocco’s ability to adapt to unforeseen geopolitical crises.
However, this reliance on a single transit partner carries risks. If Spain were to face an internal shortage or decide to prioritize its own domestic consumption during a major crisis, Morocco could find itself in a delicate position. For this reason, Moroccan authorities continue to explore other avenues while consolidating this strategic link with Madrid, which remains, for now, the pillar of energy security for the north of the country.
Gulf Countries and Russia Pillars of Energy Supply
Beyond Spanish proximity, Morocco maintains historical ties with Gulf monarchies, notably Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. These countries do not just provide resources; they are long-term strategic partners. Saudi Arabia, the world’s leading oil exporter, plays a regulatory role. Despite the lack of large-scale local refining in Morocco, Saudi petroleum products arrive in refined form or through complex trading agreements. An interesting point to note is the evolution of Saudi infrastructure, such as the port of Yanbu on the west coast, which allows products to be exported via the Red Sea, thus avoiding the Strait of Hormuz, often a zone of high tension.
Russia has also established itself as a major player in the Moroccan market, particularly for diesel. Despite the tense international context, Morocco continues to source from Moscow to stabilize its stocks. Russian oil, often offered at competitive rates in certain segments, helps limit the explosion of the national energy bill. This diversification is essential as it gives Morocco bargaining power during commercial negotiations, avoiding being held hostage by a single supplier that could impose its prices or delivery conditions.
List of Main Suppliers and Imported Products
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Spain: Leader in refined diesel and gasoline (21% market share).
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United States: Top supplier of butane gas, essential for Moroccan households.
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Russia: Key importer of distilled products and diesel at competitive prices.
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Saudi Arabia: Historical partner for various petroleum products.
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United Arab Emirates: Strategic supplier of petrochemical products.
This distribution shows that Morocco is not betting on a single horse. By multiplying sources, the Kingdom attempts to dilute geopolitical risk. For example, if the majority of butane gas comes from the United States, this protects the country from any potential crisis in Europe or the Middle East regarding this specific resource, which is indispensable for cooking and heating for millions of Moroccan families.
The Impact of the SAMIR Closure on the Current Model
One cannot discuss Moroccan hydrocarbon imports without mentioning the open wound caused by the closure of the SAMIR refinery in Mohammedia in 2015. Before this date, Morocco mainly imported crude oil and refined it on its own soil. This industrial capacity provided a certain shield against fluctuations in global refining margins. Today, the country is forced to buy finished products: gasoline, diesel, aviation kerosene, and petrochemical products for industry. This situation makes the energy bill even heavier, as Morocco now pays for the added value of refining performed abroad.
This dependence on refined products means Morocco is at the mercy of its neighbors’ industrial health. If Chinese or European refineries decide to reduce exports to satisfy their domestic demand, as recently observed with China, the Moroccan market tightens immediately. Storage then becomes the only lever for security. The government and private distributors have had to invest heavily in storage capacities to guarantee at least 60 to 90 days of national consumption—a permanent logistical challenge to avoid running dry.
The debate over reopening SAMIR regularly returns to the headlines, driven by unions and certain political parties. For proponents of a restart, it would reduce the foreign currency bill and rebuild industrial sovereignty. For others, the cost of modernizing the plant and the shift toward green energy make this project less relevant. In the meantime, Morocco remains an “importer of finished products,” a status that forces constant vigilance over Platt’s prices (the benchmark market for refined products).
The Energy Bill a Challenge for Macroeconomic Balances
Morocco’s financial health is intimately linked to the price of a barrel of oil. For the current fiscal year, the government initially estimated an average barrel price around $65. However, market reality is quite different, with peaks sometimes exceeding $100 depending on international crises. This gap mechanically widens the trade deficit. In 2022, the Kingdom’s energy bill jumped to 150 billion dirhams, compared to a usual average of around 115 billion. This explosion in costs has cascading repercussions: higher prices at the pump, increased freight costs for goods, and ultimately, inflation that weighs on purchasing power.
To limit the impact on the end consumer, the State intervenes via the Compensation Fund, but only for butane gas and certain basic commodities. Fuel (gasoline and diesel) has been liberalized since 2015. This means prices at the station directly reflect the reality of the global market. When oil prices rise in London or New York, the citizen in Casablanca feels it a few days later. This situation creates strong social pressure, forcing the government to provide direct aid to professional transporters to avoid economic paralysis or a spike in food prices.
The future remains uncertain. If tensions in the Red Sea or the Middle East persist, Morocco could see its energy bill break new records. Analysts fear this cyclical situation could become structural, slowing public investment in other crucial sectors like education or health. The only viable long-term solution remains accelerating the renewable energy strategy (solar, wind, green hydrogen) to reduce, decade after decade, this dependence on fossil molecules imported at a high cost.
FAQ on Energy Imports in Morocco
Why does Morocco import its gas from Spain? Morocco uses Spanish infrastructure to regasify Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) purchased on global markets. This gas is then sent to Morocco via the Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline (GME) operating in reverse, following the cessation of direct deliveries by Algeria.
What are the risks of a long-term oil price hike? A sustained hike leads to an explosion of the foreign currency bill, an increase in overall inflation, and increased pressure on the state budget to support vulnerable sectors like transport and agriculture.
Does Morocco produce any oil on its territory? Local production is extremely marginal. Despite numerous offshore and onshore exploration campaigns, current discoveries cover less than 1% of national needs. The country remains almost entirely dependent on external markets.
What is the role of butane gas in imports? Butane gas is crucial because it is massively used by households for cooking and in the agricultural sector. The United States has become Morocco’s main supplier for this specific product, ensuring a stable security of supply.
