Cairo, Egypt — Egypt will launch its biggest-ever natural-gas drilling drive in the Mediterranean this year, targeting new reserves that officials say could curb growing import bills.
The campaign, confirmed this week by government energy planners, involves multiple offshore blocks north of the Nile Delta and deeper waters west of Alexandria. Official communiqués say the work will run through 2026 and is designed to “raise domestic output and reduce reliance on shipped fuel”.
Local reports indicate that a string of foreign service companies has begun moving rigs into Egyptian waters, though the state — run Egypt Oil & Gas board has not published a full list of contractors or disclosed projected investment sums.
Sources close to the tendering process say several Western — backed consortia have secured exploration rights, with drilling expected to start before mid-year. Egypt became a net gas importer in 2015 after domestic consumption outpaced field yields.
A rapid development of the giant Zohr deposit in 2017 briefly restored self-sufficiency, but output from that site has since plateaued while electricity demand continues to rise. Energy analysts in Cairo note that fresh discoveries would ease pressure on state finances and free up contracted LNG cargoes for re-export from the country’s two coastal terminals. “Any additional molecules produced at home keep the trade balance in check,” one independent observer.
Environmental groups have urged regulators to complete promised seismic surveys before authorizing further wells, citing concerns over marine ecosystems. Officials have not yet responded to those requests. Further details on exact acreage, target depths or production timelines were not immediately available.
The petroleum ministry stated that updates will be issued “once exploration results are verified”.
.
Source: Africa.
