Egypt’s gas ambitions increasingly hinge on Israeli inflows
![This picture taken on February 6, 2023 shows a view of Tibbin dual fuel (natural gas and fuel oil) powerplant and Helwan Steelworks, in the Helwan suburb south of Egypt's capital. (Photo by Amir MAKAR / AFP) (Photo by AMIR MAKAR/AFP via Getty Images)](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/2023-05/GettyImages-1250761544.jpg?h=a5ae579a&itok=ZiqzF8Z7)
To:
Al-Monitor Pro Members
From:
Marc Español
Journalist covering Egypt and Sudan
Date:
May 5, 2023
Bottom Line:
In February 2023, Egypt’s gas output fell to its lowest level in nearly three years, the latest data from the Joint Organizations Data Initiative (JODI) show. The decline was an indication of the country’s struggle to sustain high production levels at a time when it is trying to position itself as a regional hub for natural gas trade. The downward trajectory, coupled with high domestic consumption, is making Egypt’s gas dreams increasingly dependent on imported Israeli gas used for re-export. Together, they also raise doubts about its ability to sustain exports in the mid- and long-term.