Egypt and Eni discuss gas output increase and Cronos field link-up

The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources is currently discussing plans with Italian energy major Eni (BIT:ENI) to increase natural gas production from the company's concession areas in the Mediterranean and the Nile Delta, alongside progress on linking Cyprus's Cronos gas field to Egypt, according to a ministry statement on June 15, cited by Al Ahram. 

Egypt's Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi met a delegation from Eni to discuss works to bring the North Nidoco-2 well onstream before the end of June 2026, in partnership with BP, which is expected to add between 50 and 60mn cubic feet of gas per day. The Eni delegation included Francesco Gaspari, the company's general manager in Egypt, and Deputy General Manager Mahmoud Abu Al-Yazid.

Badawi noted the importance of coordinated efforts to accelerate the process and achieve it ahead of schedule. Discussions also covered preparations for drilling a new well south-west of Nour in the Mediterranean, planned before the end of the year, as well as the Tort-6 well in the Pharaonic Petroleum Company's Mediterranean concession area, where BP operates as lead partner alongside Eni, also scheduled for drilling in 2026.

On the Cronos front, both sides reviewed the latest developments in the project to develop the Cypriot field and pipe its output to Egypt, including progress on technical and contractual procedures. Badawi said Egypt and Cyprus are cooperating to advance the project towards implementation and secure a Final Investment Decision from the partners' consortium.