Egypt reassures on gas supply diversity, alternative capacities after East Med disruption

CAIRO – 1 March 2026: Egypt said it has implemented “proactive measures” over the past year to secure domestic energy supplies of natural gas and petroleum products ahead of the recent regional escalation.

In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry of Petroleum reassured citizens that Egypt has diversified gas supply sources and prepared alternative capacities before gas flows from the eastern Mediterranean were halted following recent military strikes.

“Through proactive measures over the course of 2025, [the ministry] has secured additional liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacities and volumes for extended periods to meet the needs of the electricity sector, industry and citizens,” the statement read.

These measures, the ministry said, include diversifying supply sources alongside domestic production, signing long-term agreements and supply deals with international companies, and preparing a comprehensive infrastructure to receive LNG imports.

The ministry also highlighted national efforts to deploy and operate regasification vessels as well as to maintain regular payments to partners to boost exploration and output.

What Is Happening?

The statement came after Israel’s energy ministry ordered a temporary halt at parts of its offshore natural gas fields, including Leviathan, following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, raising concerns over regional supply risks.

Bloomberg quoted an Egyptian official, whose identity it did not disclose, as saying that Israeli gas supplies to Egypt have stopped completely, prompting Cairo to accelerate previously contracted LNG shipments to cover any potential shortfall.

Iran has also launched waves of missiles targeting Israeli cities as well as US military presence in several Arab countries in response to US-Israeli strikes that killed hundreds including top Iranian officials.

 

With Israel continuing extensive strikes on Iran and Tehran vowing to avenge the death of its supreme leader in the strikes, analysts fear a prolonged conflict could plunge the region into a broader chaos.

‘Proactive Scenarios’

The Egyptian petroleum ministry said it has been closely monitoring the fallout from the recent military developments and the suspension of eastern Mediterranean gas supplies via pipelines.

The ministry highlighted its “multiple proactive and contingency scenarios” developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy, ensuring full readiness and operational flexibility.

These measures, the ministry said, has sought to maintain rapid response to any developments to secure the required gas supplies for the electricity sector.

Regarding petroleum products, the ministry said it has increased available volumes and built up safe strategic reserves of gasoline, diesel, butane and other products.

To achieve this, the ministry increased output at Egyptian refineries to boost domestic production and implemented periodic maintenance programs to ensure maximum operating efficiency.

The ministry also ensured optimized use of the petroleum sector’s extensive storage capacity and infrastructure of depots and tanks nationwide.

The ministry added it has secured adequate stocks of imported products to support domestic market stability and ensure continuous supply in the face of any emergency.