Cairo: Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi stressed the importance of continuing to develop and improve the efficiency of the butane cylinder distribution system, while tightening oversight to ensure effective service delivery and meet local market needs. The remarks came during the general assembly meeting of Butagasco to approve the 2025 financial results, held via video conference with petroleum sector officials and representatives of the Central Auditing Organization.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Badawi emphasized the need to facilitate access to subsidized butane cylinders and enhance distribution efficiency to curb irregular practices, noting that stricter monitoring is required to ensure subsidies reach eligible beneficiaries. He also called for expanding digital transformation tools and modern technologies to improve tracking and control mechanisms across the distribution chain.
The minister underscored that occupational safety remains a top priority across all stages of cylinder handling-from warehouses to consumers-stating that safety spending is an investment in protecting lives and ensuring operational sustainability. He also highlighted the importance of public awareness on safe domestic use and the need to rely on certified specialists for installation and maintenance.
For his part, Butagasco Chairman Mahmoud Saleh said the company succeeded in securing market demand by distributing around 96 million cylinders in 2025, contributing to market stability. He added that the company’s fleet transported 37.5% of total quantities, while home delivery services reached 21.67 million cylinders, generating revenues of about 151 million pounds.
Saleh noted that the Sohag bottling plant produces 72,000 domestic and 2,000 commercial cylinders daily using automated lines, while the Tod plant in Luxor produces 25,000 domestic and 1,400 commercial cylinders daily for Upper Egypt governorates. He also said the Assiut plant for cylinder valve seals reached full capacity, producing 164 million seals in 2025 compared to 55 million in 2024, achieving self-sufficiency for Butagasco and Petrogas.
Customer service requests via hotline increased by 21% to 172,000 calls after expanding service lines to 30, improving service quality and reducing informal market activity. The company further strengthened workplace safety systems through training programs and upgraded fire safety and gas leak detection systems at distribution sites and production facilities.
Future plans include establishing new distribution centers in new urban communities, including Capital Gardens City, along with expanding production lines and building strategic warehouses to ensure supply continuity.