Morocco is moving to significantly expand its energy storage capacity by more than 1.5 million cubic meters by 2030, backed by an investment estimated at 6 billion dirhams, in a strategic effort to strengthen national energy security and adapt to ongoing shifts in global energy markets.
The announcement was made on Monday by Leila Benali during a parliamentary session, where she outlined the government’s broader vision to reinforce strategic reserves and ensure stable energy supply.
Benali said the initiative forms part of a comprehensive government roadmap aimed at boosting Morocco’s resilience in the face of global disruptions, particularly as the Middle East conflict continues to impact international oil and gas transport routes.
She noted that expanding storage infrastructure remains a central pillar of this strategy, highlighting that investments in the sector have surged by more than 30 percent over the past three years.
As a result, Morocco’s total storage capacity is expected to reach approximately 3.2 million cubic meters by 2025, reflecting accelerated efforts to secure long-term supply stability.
The minister added that her department has been closely monitoring investment programs scheduled through 2030, while working to facilitate their implementation by streamlining administrative procedures and supporting industry stakeholders.
In parallel, the government is also looking to optimize the use of existing infrastructure, including storage facilities operated by SAMIR.
According to Benali, current national reserves of diesel, gasoline, and fuel oil are considered sufficient, based on recent assessments of domestic demand.
However, she warned of ongoing shortages in certain energy products, particularly butane gas and aviation fuel, which remain under pressure.
To address these gaps, new projects are underway to increase storage capacity by approximately 400,000 cubic meters for butane gas and 100,000 cubic meters for jet fuel by 2030.
Benali also pointed to a geographic imbalance in existing infrastructure, noting that nearly 80 percent of Morocco’s storage capacity is concentrated in the regions of Casablanca-Settat and Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima.
This concentration has prompted authorities to expand investments into other regions, with a particular focus on the eastern part of the country.
In this regard, the Nador West Med Port is expected to play a key role in future storage of petroleum products and natural gas.
The project is seen as a strategic addition to Morocco’s energy infrastructure, helping to diversify storage locations and enhance logistical efficiency.
Overall, the government’s plan reflects a broader push to align national energy policy with evolving global dynamics, while reducing vulnerability to external shocks.
As geopolitical tensions continue to disrupt supply chains, Morocco’s investment in storage capacity is expected to serve as a critical buffer against volatility in international energy markets.
