Cairo: Egypt has begun to restore its upward natural gas production trend this summer after a notable decline over the past three years, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said on Wednesday August 13, 2025. Speaking at a press conference following the weekly Cabinet meeting, Madbouly said daily output had dropped from over 6.6 billion cubic feet to around 4.1 billion cubic feet, but recent indicators show a gradual recovery.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the government aims to return to peak output levels by 2027. The rebound comes as the government maintains regular monthly payments and reduces arrears, helping restore investor confidence and attract fresh foreign investment into the energy sector. Madbouly noted that the Zohr gas field has regained a large portion of its production capacity, despite the finite nature of such fields.

He stressed the challenge now is to sustain and increase output by attracting new investment and implementing exploration projects to discover fresh reserves. Madbouly said rising domestic demand, coupled with requests from local and global firms to set up new gas-dependent plants, is being factored into Egypt's five-year energy strategy.

On gas agreements, the premier stated that Egypt's current framework involves extensions and enhancements to existing deals that secure the country a price below global market rates, ensuring a competitive edge. Similar arrangements exist with Cyprus and other potential partners, enabling Egypt to process, liquefy, and export gas at a profit while fostering related industries.

All agreements, Madbouly emphasized, are conducted with major global operators like Eni and are thoroughly reviewed within the original 2019 framework, with recent deals providing additional output and extended timelines to bolster Egypt's role as a regional energy hub. As for urban development, the prime minister rejected claims that state asset development equates to asset sales.

He said Cairo's heritage districts, including Khedivial Cairo, are being redeveloped under strict preservation guidelines to revive unused properties and maximize their economic potential.