Cairo: The Central Crisis Management Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, has announced a recommendation to suspend shop closure orders for public stores, shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, and sports facilities during the upcoming Coptic holiday week. This proposal is set to be reviewed during the Cabinet meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the committee convened at the government headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, where it also discussed the latest regional developments and the potential effects of the US-Israeli-Iranian conflict. Counselor Mohamed El-Homsani, the official spokesperson for the Cabinet, emphasized that the meeting focused on the impact of regional tensions on Egypt and highlighted the Egyptian state's efforts under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to work with international partners to prevent further instability in the Middle East.
Furthermore, the meeting addressed global economic challenges impacting Egypt, especially the rising energy prices and supply chain disruptions. The government evaluated strategies to ensure the availability of essential goods at fair prices and to secure petroleum products essential for national production and consumption.
El-Homsani also noted that the committee assessed various actions taken to navigate the complex crisis, including measures to rationalize energy consumption and secure raw materials for vital industries like pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. Detailed reports on commodity prices and market activity were reviewed to ensure a steady supply of essential goods.
The spokesperson confirmed that the recommendation to suspend closure orders for shops, restaurants, and social clubs during the Coptic holiday week will be officially presented to the Cabinet on Wednesday. On this occasion, Prime Minister Madbouly and Cabinet members extended their well-wishes to His Holiness Pope Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark, as well as to all Coptic citizens in Egypt and abroad, wishing them health and prosperity.
The meeting was attended by the Governor of the Central Bank and the Ministers of Economic Affairs, Health, Electricity, Finance, Tourism, Supply, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Petroleum, Investment, Planning, and Industry, alongside several high-ranking officials from relevant agencies.