How Egypt is managing energy deficit in a sweltering summer?

With daily output declining and demand surging, particularly for electricity generation, energy security has emerged as a critical national concern.

While some reports warn of a looming crisis, new developments suggest Egypt is not passively enduring the pressure. Instead, the government is pursuing a multi-pronged approach: importing liquefied natural gas (LNG), reactivating emergency fuel sources such as mazut, negotiating with key partners like Israel, and accelerating long-term investments in renewable energy and international contracts.

Egypt faces an apparent shortfall in its natural gas balance, with daily production dropping to around 4.5 billion cubic feet, against consumption of approximately 6 billion. This discrepancy places the system under increasing strain, particularly during peak summer demand.

Speaking to Ahram Online, Gamal Al-Qalyoubi, Professor of Petroleum and Energy Engineering, clarified that “the actual rate of gas production decline does not exceed 1.7 billion cubic feet per day,” stressing that the frequently cited 3 billion cubic feet gap is “exaggerated and not an accurate reflection of reality.”