A strategic acceleration of natural gas production projects is underway to boost national output and reduce import costs ahead of the 2026 summer demand peak. The initiative focuses on fast-tracking the connection of new developments to the national natural gas grid while identifying and resolving implementation challenges to ensure energy security.

The plan was reviewed during a meeting between Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, and leaders of the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), according to a statement by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoPMR).

The 2026 exploration program serves as a cornerstone for this growth, targeting record activity levels that include the drilling of more than 100 exploratory wells. This technical scope features 14 specific natural gas exploration wells in the Mediterranean Sea.

Additionally, the MoPMR has outlined a new five-year plan for exploration and production, aiming to achieve crude oil self-sufficiency while increasing natural gas output continuously.

Badawi emphasized the need to pursue multiple parallel tracks, including expanding natural gas exploration into deeper geological layers and previously undeveloped areas. He also called for new mechanisms to bring unexploited natural gas discoveries into production through the deployment of advanced technologies.

During the session, Mahmoud Abdel Hameed, Executive Managing Director at EGAS, presented detailed work plans covering the production growth and drilling schedules for 2026. These efforts are designed to maximize output from existing fields and open new production horizons to meet the nation’s long-term energy requirements.