Cairo: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli said the government is set to implement a package of urgent measures to rationalize energy consumption in light of current challenges and to ensure resource sustainability amid the ongoing regional war and its global repercussions.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Madbouly made the announcement at a press conference following the weekly Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. The government has decided to close shops, malls, restaurants, and caf©s at 21:00 CLT, extending to 22:00 on Fridays, starting Saturday, March 28, 2026, for a period of one month.

He added that the government is also considering implementing remote work one or two days per week for some entities, noting that this measure will not apply to vital sectors that require full on-site presence.

The prime minister said it was also decided to completely halt road advertising lighting and reduce street lighting to the minimum possible levels, while fully adhering to safety and security standards. He stressed that governors and ministers are required to strictly enforce these measures, noting that the current phase necessitates decisive action to regulate energy consumption.

Madbouli further announced that the Government District will close daily at 18:00 starting after the Eid al-Fitr holiday, with all lighting and energy networks switched off, while administrative work will be completed remotely by ministers and officials.

He noted that the government continues to closely monitor the regional situation and its impacts across various sectors, adding that remote work arrangements may be expanded depending on recommendations by the Crisis Management Committee if further rationalization measures are deemed necessary.