In his opening address during a symposium on regulating gas market in Egypt, pointed out that the exceptional circumstances witnessed by Egypt during the past four years created a temporary gap between the production and consumption of natural gas and petroleum products, reported State Information Service. Ismail stressed that there is a clear vision to secure energy supplies for the local market and development projects Egypt is currently witnessing within the framework of its efforts to achieve a better future for the Egyptians. According to Almal Ismail also refereed in his speech to the debts owed to foreign oil companies, promising to decrease it by 50%, and repay the rest of the dues as early as possible.