Cairo — The Egyptian government has rolled out a series of energy-saving measures to be implemented over a one-month period, as the country grapples with rising global oil prices linked to ongoing military tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The measures, announced by the office of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, are aimed at reducing energy consumption and easing the growing financial burden caused by increased fuel import costs.
Under the new directives, shops, restaurants, shopping malls, cinemas, theatres, and wedding halls are required to close by 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, while extended hours until 10:00 p.m. will be allowed on Thursdays and Fridays.
Officials say the restrictions are part of a broader strategy to manage electricity demand and limit fuel usage as global oil prices continue to climb.
Wider Measures to Cut Energy Consumption
In addition to reduced business hours, the government has introduced several complementary measures targeting both public and private sector energy use.
Street lighting across the country will be reduced, while illumination from advertising billboards is to be cut by 50 percent. Authorities have also ordered a 30 percent reduction in fuel allocations for government vehicles, signaling a push for austerity within public institutions.
Further steps include the early closure of government offices in the New Administrative Capital, which will now shut down by 6:00 p.m., and the temporary slowdown of major national projects that rely heavily on diesel consumption. These project adjustments are expected to last for two months.
In a move to reduce commuting and energy use, the government also announced the introduction of remote work on Sundays, beginning from April 1.
Key Sectors Exempted
Despite the sweeping nature of the measures, several essential and economically sensitive sectors have been exempted.
These include pharmacies, grocery stores, and tourist facilities, particularly those located along the Nile in Cairo and Giza, as well as major tourist destinations such as South Sinai, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam.
Officials say the exemptions are designed to ensure that critical services remain uninterrupted while protecting Egypt’s vital tourism industry, a key source of national revenue.
Rising Energy Costs Drive Policy Shift
Speaking at a press conference, Prime Minister Madbouly explained that the measures are a direct response to the sharp increase in energy import costs driven by surging global oil prices.
“These measures aim to mitigate the effects of rising energy import costs,” he said, highlighting the financial pressure facing the country.
According to government data, Egypt’s energy import bill has more than doubled in recent months, rising from approximately $1.2 billion in January to $2.5 billion in March.
The surge has significantly strained public finances, prompting urgent intervention to curb consumption and manage expenditures.
Fuel Price Hikes and Economic Impact
Earlier in March, the Egyptian government implemented fuel price increases ranging between 14 percent and 30 percent, reflecting the rising cost of crude oil on the global market.
However, Madbouly noted that the recent price adjustments only account for about one-third of the increase in the country’s overall energy import bill, indicating that additional measures were necessary to bridge the gap.
Economists warn that while the policies may help stabilise energy usage and reduce fiscal pressure, they could also impact businesses, particularly small enterprises that rely on evening operations for revenue.
Regional Context
Egypt’s decision comes amid a broader wave of economic adjustments across the Middle East, as countries respond to the ripple effects of escalating geopolitical tensions and disruptions in energy markets.
The ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel has contributed to heightened uncertainty and volatility in oil prices, affecting both energy-exporting and energy-importing nations.
For Egypt, which depends heavily on imported fuel to meet domestic demand, the rising costs pose a significant challenge to economic stability.
Looking Ahead
The government has indicated that the measures are temporary and will be reviewed after one month, depending on developments in global oil markets and regional security conditions.
For now, authorities are urging citizens and businesses to cooperate with the directives, emphasising the importance of collective effort in navigating the current economic pressures.
As global energy dynamics continue to shift, Egypt’s response highlights the growing link between geopolitical events and domestic economic policies in an increasingly interconnected world.
