Tarek El Molla, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, said that that petroleum sector will continue to import natural gas for the coming 5 years to meet the needs of electricity, and the local market, reported Egypt Oil & Gas.

The decision comes based on the ministry of electricity’s new plan to avoid cutting off power.

El Molla explained that Egypt contracted 3 Fuel Storage & Regasification ships (FSRU) to import LNG into the country, 2 of which have arrived.

The minister signaled that petroleum sector will continue focusing on fields development to increase oil and natural gas production in attempt to reduce import costs.