Egypt ends energy-saving curbs as shops return to normal hours

Egypt ends energy-saving curbs as shops return to normal hours

Egypt has ended the energy-saving measures imposed in March to contain the fallout from the energy crisis triggered by the Iran war, allowing commercial activity to return to normal operating hours, Al Masry Al Youm reported on April 26. 

Egypt’s energy security has been severely strained by the 2026 conflict with Iran, which triggered a nearly threefold increase in its monthly natural gas import bill to $1.65bn following the temporary suspension of Israeli gas flows and a global surge in LNG prices

The decision to lift the curbs signals an easing of emergency measures while maintaining a focus on longer-term energy efficiency and renewable power adoption. Experts believe that closing the shops early resulted in economic losses rather than savings. The country’s Central Crisis Management Committee approved the cancellation of a decision requiring public shops, shopping centres and restaurants to close at 11pm, restoring the usual opening hours in a move aimed at supporting economic activity and improving the business environment.

The measures had been introduced as part of efforts to rationalise electricity consumption and ease pressure on fuel supplies amid regional tensions and their impact on energy markets.

During a meeting of the committee, PM Mostafa Madbouly instructed the authorities to move quickly with launching an incentive initiative to encourage factories and households to switch to solar energy. The initiative forms part of wider government efforts to reduce electricity consumption, diversify energy sources and limit reliance on petroleum products. It is also expected to support Egypt’s broader shift towards cleaner energy solutions, as the country seeks to contain import pressures and manage fuel demand more efficiently.

The government has been working to balance energy security needs with the requirements of businesses, particularly in retail, hospitality and manufacturing, which were affected by the temporary restrictions.