Abu Qir Fertilizers and Chemical Industries has disclosed that it received a notification of a 33% reduction in natural gas supplies effective November 8, up from the 20% cut announced a week earlier, according to a disclosure to the Egyptian Exchange (EGX).

The cut includes a number of energy-intensive industries, topped by fertilizer producers, as the increase in fuel prices is inflating the import bill and pushing the government to introduce austerity measures, including cutting government fuel use by 30% and electricity by 20%.

The company said it has implemented the necessary technical and operational measures to manage the reduction, allowing two of its three production plants to operate at full capacity.

Abu Qir also announced plans to reschedule periodic maintenance activities in response to the latest developments, aiming to minimize potential operational disruptions and maintain flexibility in adapting to changes in gas availability.

Abu Qir is considered one of the largest producers of nitrogen fertilizers in Egypt and the Middle East. It also exports   ammonia as well as solid and liquid fertilizers  to  40 countries