Tetouan’s CPI Slips Slightly as Food Prices Fall but Education Costs Surge

The consumer price index in Tetouan fell slightly in September, driven by the easing of food prices, despite the marked increase observed in education.

Recent trends in the CPI confirm a contrasting dynamic in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region. According to the regional directorate of the High Commission for Planning, households in Tetouan recorded a monthly decrease of 0.1% in the overall index in September, while the annual change remains on an upward trend (+0.7%).

This trajectory reflects a local market still influenced by significant sectoral volatility, particularly in the food supply chain. The decline in food prices was the main driver of the monthly drop in Tetouan.

Tetouan Sees Mild CPI Decline in September Amid Food Price Drop and Rising Education Costs

In one month, this component fell by 1.2%, driven by the drop in prices for fruit (-3.4%), fish and seafood (-2.7%), and vegetables (-2.6%). Other categories also contributed to this correction: meat (-1%), food products not classified elsewhere (-1.3%), and bread and cereals (-0.6%).

More moderate price increases for sugar, coffee, and oils reinforced this trend in Tetouan. Meanwhile, non-food prices rose by 0.8%. This increase is primarily due to the surge in education costs (+10.1%), which was already anticipated with the start of the school year. Clothing, leisure activities, and certain other goods and services also saw slight increases.

Conversely, transportation (-1.3%) and restaurants (-1%) saw declines, without significantly impacting the overall index. Year-on-year, the trend appears more nuanced. Food prices rose by only 0.1%, although with significant internal disparities: a surge in fish prices (+13.3%), a notable increase in coffee and tea (+8.8%), and growth in vegetable prices (+5.4%).

Conversely, some products are experiencing downward pressure, such as oils (-7%) and meats (-5.9%). Non-food products, on the other hand, show an annual increase of 1.2%, driven by an 11% rise in education-related prices, while transportation costs have fallen by 3.3%.

An essential tool for monitoring inflation, the CPI remains a key indicator for understanding changes in household purchasing power and adjusting public policies. In Tetouan, the observed sectoral variations highlight the sensitivity of the consumption basket to seasonal fluctuations and the specific dynamics of certain services, particularly education.

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(Featured image by Kamal Bilal via Unsplash)

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First published in LES ECO.ma. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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