Egypt moves to fast-track LNG shipments amid gas cut-offs

The Egyptian government is seeking to accelerate the delivery of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) shipments previously contracted under major deals signed in 2025, Asharq Business reported on March 1, citing government sources. 

The move aims to compensate for potential supply shortages triggered by the fallout of the escalating war involving Iran. The urgency follows a total halt of Israeli gas supplies to Egypt, after Israel shut down the Chevron (NYSE:CVX) operated Leviathan field, which supplies both Egypt and Jordan, following a large-scale military strike launched by Israeli forces, in coordination with the US, against targets across eastern and western Iran on February 28.

In retaliation, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard launched a barrage of missiles and drones toward Israel and US military bases in Gulf countries. Egypt typically receives approximately 1bn cubic feet of natural gas per day via pipeline from Israel. The shutdown mirrors events in June 2025, when similar regional hostilities led to the closure of the Leviathan and Karish fields, severing supplies to an import-dependent Egypt.

Earlier, the Egyptian government announced it had implemented precautionary measures to secure domestic energy supplies. The petroleum ministry said it is closely monitoring the military tensions and highlighted its diversified supply sources.

During 2025, Egypt successfully secured additional long-term LNG contracts and integrated floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) to handle increased imports. Furthermore, the ministry said it maintains secure strategic stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG through increased domestic refining and optimised storage networks.

The Egyptian cabinet has activated its central crisis room to monitor unfolding regional developments around the clock, following the US-Israeli attacks on Iran. PM Mostafa Mdbouly held talks with Supply Minister Sherif Farouk to review strategic reserves of essential commodities and ensure sufficient stockpiles of basic foodstuffs for several months.