Sisi pushes for new gas discoveries to boost Egypt’s energy reserves

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to intensifying gas exploration efforts, emphasizing the need to attract foreign investment to boost petroleum and natural gas reserves.

During a meeting on Sunday with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi, President Sisi directed officials to enhance exploration and production activities to meet growing domestic demand and position Egypt as a leading energy hub in the region.

The Egyptian Presidency, in an official statement, highlighted the government’s incentives to develop new gas fields and expand exploration operations. 

Discussions focused on ongoing drilling projects, particularly in the Fayoum 5 oil and gas field, and several newly signed agreements aimed at advancing exploration and production efforts.

Strategic Gas Cooperation Between Egypt and Cyprus

One of the key topics discussed was Egypt’s growing energy cooperation with Cyprus, particularly in maximizing the exploitation of gas reserves in Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

The focus was on the Cronos and Aphrodite gas fields, where Egypt aims to transport Cypriot gas to its domestic market and liquefy it for export to global markets.

During the Egypt Energy Show (EGYPES) 2025 held in Cairo last February, Egypt and Cyprus signed agreements enabling the export of natural gas from the Cronos and Aphrodite offshore fields to Egyptian liquefaction facilities. 

This will allow for the subsequent export of Cypriot gas to Europe, reinforcing Egypt’s role as a key energy transit hub for the Eastern Mediterranean.

This strategic cooperation aligns with Egypt’s long-term vision to leverage regional gas discoveries, process natural gas locally, and re-export it to European markets, thereby strengthening its influence in global energy markets.

The discussions also covered Egypt’s expanding energy ties with Saudi Arabia, including a memorandum of understanding signed during EGYPES 2025.

President Sisi instructed officials to honor financial obligations to oil and gas companies operating in Egypt, ensuring sustained investments in the country’s energy sector.

Additionally, he emphasized the importance of providing incentives to accelerate the development of energy fields, enhance local production, and drive new exploration projects.

During the meeting, Minister Karim Badawi briefed the president on Egypt’s strategic petroleum reserves, highlighting the government’s plan to increase local production to ensure long-term energy security and stabilize supply for domestic consumers.

Egypt’s Position as a Regional Energy Powerhouse

Egypt continues to strengthen its role as a regional energy hub, with strategic partnerships across the Eastern Mediterranean and the Arab world. 

By capitalizing on regional gas reserves, expanding liquefaction capabilities, and fostering international collaborations, the country is poised to enhance energy security while boosting its economy.

With ongoing exploration projects, strong foreign investment incentives, and regional energy agreements, Egypt is taking decisive steps to solidify its status as a major player in global energy markets.