Commercial venues in Egypt - file
CAIRO - 28 March 2026: Commercial venues across Egyptian governorates will start earlier closing hours per government instructions at 9pm as of Saturday March 28th.
The measures aim to reduce the load on the national electricity grid by record percentages.
Following directives from Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, the government aims to save $1.1 billion monthly, the value of the increased fuel import bill.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Local Development is operating at full capacity in its National Safety and Emergency Network operations rooms to monitor and regulate street activity in Egypt.
The Egyptian Ministry of Local Development is the executive body responsible for implementing Cabinet decisions on the ground, taking into account the economic and security dimensions related to the global energy crisis.
Starting this evening, Saturday, March 28, 2026, governorates will begin enforcing the 9 PM shop closure policy under strict supervision, aiming to reduce the national electricity grid load by record levels.
What will happen if shops did not abide?
Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Environment, directed that penalties will be applied gradually but firmly in case of violations.
Stage 1: Immediate warning and notice, along with a violation report.
Stage 2: A hefty fine according to the Public Establishments Law.
Stage 3: Administrative closure and sealing of the establishment if it persists in consuming energy after the designated hours.
What are the sectors exempt from the closure order?
The health sector, including pharmacies, hospitals, and medical centers, is exempt from the closure order, as are the industrial sector and gas stations, to ensure the continuity of production and supply chains.
The Ministry emphasized that its committees will not interfere with vital activities that affect citizens' daily lives, including the food sector such as supermarkets, grocery stores, bakeries, and fruit and vegetable shops.
Tourism sector is also exempt from the closure order.
Local Development follow-up
In a related context, the Ministry of Local Development has developed a real-time monitoring plan to ensure full compliance.
This plan includes:
Field Committees: Deploying teams from the "Your Voice is Heard" initiative and monitoring officials in neighborhoods and districts to detect any violations after 9:00 PM.
Electronic Linkage: Monitoring consumption rates through the National Emergency Network control centers and immediate intervention in areas that do not experience a significant decrease in lighting.
Coordination with Security: Conducting joint patrols with the Utilities Police to ensure the actual closure of malls, restaurants, cafes, and wedding halls.
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