Despite a slight slowdown in inflation in recent months, Moroccans continue to point to the high cost of living as a major concern.This is one of the key findings of the latest L’Economiste–Sunergia survey on purchasing power, confirming trends already identified by the High Commission for Planning (HCP). According to HCP data, 75% of households believe their purchasing power has deteriorated.On the ground, the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) for April showed a further 1.7% increase compared with the same month a year earlier.In any case, over the past 12 months, almost all respondents surveyed by L’Economiste and Sunergia reported that prices had either increased significantly (81%) or increased moderately (13%). Only 2% believed prices had actually fallen. By age group, respondents aged 35–44 were the most likely to report rising prices, with 86% saying prices had increased sharply and 9% saying they had increased moderately. They were followed by the 45–54 age group, where 82% reported a sharp increase and 13% a moderate increase.The remaining age groups also overwhelmingly agreed that prices had risen, with similarly high percentages.Only a Small Minority Believe Prices Have FallenThe same trend is observed across Morocco’s regions, including the Northeast, Central, and Southern areas.Likewise, there is little difference between urban and rural populations:Urban areas: 81% say prices have risen sharply, 14% moderately.Rural areas: 81% say prices have risen sharply, 10% moderately. The perception is also remarkably consistent across socio-professional categories.Among groups A/B, C, and D/E, between 81% and 82% believe prices have increased significantly, while 11% to 16% say they have increased moderately.The proportion of respondents who believe prices have fallen remains negligible. When asked how they had adjusted their spending habits to cope with the rising cost of living, 62% said they had reduced non-essential purchases.Meanwhile:■42% reported buying products in smaller quantities.■18% said they had reduced outings and leisure activities. Many Moroccans are also adopting other coping strategies to withstand rising prices:■12% compare prices more carefully before making purchases.■7% wait for sales or promotional periods.■5% have started drawing on their savings.■4% have switched to cheaper brands. Some Habits Remain Unchanged. A small proportion of respondents (1%) reported relying on financial support from family members or relatives.By contrast, 14% stated that they had not changed their consumption habits at all, particularly among higher socio-professional categories (A and B).Survey participants were also asked which categories of spending they had reduced the most because of rising prices.Only a small minority reported cutting expenditures related to healthcare or education (3%).However, the majority acknowledged making sacrifices in other areas:l 62%reduced spending on outings and leisure activities.l 61%cut food-related expenses.l 33%reduced clothing purchases.l 27%lowered spending on transportation and fuel.The findings illustrate how inflation continues to reshape household consumption patterns, with many Moroccans prioritizing essential expenditures while scaling back discretionary spending in order to cope with persistent pressure on purchasing power.oM.A.M.