Rabat Taxi Drivers Rally for Direct Fuel Aid Payments
On November 7, 2026, taxi drivers affiliated with the Union Générale des Travailleurs du Maroc (UGTM) gathered in a significant protest at Bab El Had in Rabat. This demonstration was fueled by their pressing demand for direct access to fuel aid, which they claim is not consistently reaching them. With the recent surge in diesel prices, these drivers are urgently calling for a dialogue with government authorities to address their grievances and have warned that if their situation does not improve, fare increases may be inevitable.
The crux of the drivers' demands revolves around ensuring effective access to the financial aid intended to support them. As articulated by union representative Khalid Amrani, the financial assistance is often channeled through vehicle owners, depriving the drivers of the critical support they need to manage their fuel expenses. Consequently, the protesting drivers are advocating for an accurate census of active drivers and a reassessment of the payment process to enable them to receive the public support directly.
This protest follows recent statements from Abdessamad Kayouh, Morocco's Minister of Transport and Logistics, who detailed a new tranche of aid during a press conference following a government council meeting on November 5. He announced a substantial allocation of 400 million dirhams for the period from November 1 to November 15, benefiting roughly 200,000 eligible professional vehicles. The aid package includes 1,760 dirhams for grand taxis and 1,280 dirhams for small taxis for this period, with payments scheduled to commence on November 10. The minister also mentioned the regularization of aid for the second half of October, although he did not address the first half of that month. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden caused by rising fuel costs, hoping to prevent any subsequent increases in transportation fares.
However, the protesting taxi drivers in Rabat feel that these newly announced funds do not adequately resolve their ongoing issues with accessing the assistance. Their statement reflects a rejection of what they term a "fait accompli" and criticizes the unilateral management of the sector's affairs. They are calling for the initiation of an "urgent and responsible dialogue" to rectify the shortcomings of the fuel aid system and are also demanding the cancellation of measures that would revoke their operational licenses, which are essential for their work.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
