Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoPMR), paid a surprise visit to the National Gas Network Control Centre (NATA) at the headquarters of the Egyptian Natural Gas Company (GASCO) on Wednesday to inspect the network’s operational readiness and contingency plans for handling potential surges in consumption during peak power demand months. Badawi listened to a detailed briefing from Yasser Salah El-Din, Chairman of GASCO, on the network’s operational preparedness.

The minister stated that the ministry is fully ready to deal with any sudden demand changes. He further reviewed the steady gas supplies from the Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs), ensuring the full stability of the national gas network.

Moreover, he stressed the importance of continuing to remain proactive and maintaining close coordination with the electricity sector within the framework of the state’s integrated approach to secure citizens’ needs.

In previous summers, Egypt had faced frequent power shortages, leading the government to implement load-shedding measures starting July 2023 to ease pressure on the national grid. Last summer, Egypt unveiled a $1.18 billion plan to import gas and offset anticipated shortages

In June, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly urged citizens to exercise extreme caution in their electricity use amid growing pressure on the country’s energy system, following a drop in natural gas supplies linked to regional unrest..