Egypt seeks to buy 30 additional LNG cargoes for Q4 2026

The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources is currently considering contracts to import nearly 30 additional cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for delivery during Q4 2026, Al Arabiya Business reported on June 11, citing a government official.  

The move builds on an extensive import campaign that has seen Egypt secure over 130 shipments to bridge immediate supply gaps. It aims to secure domestic fuel requirements and satisfy the surging demand for electricity and power, following the full delivery of shipments contracted for the summer.

Egypt is facing a severe domestic supply deficit caused by a steady drop in production from its major offshore gas fields, particularly the Zohr field, as well as heightened vulnerability to regional pipeline disruptions. The North African country thus shifted from a net exporter to an active global LNG buyer. The government said it aims to prevent widespread power blackouts and safely meet the country's surging, non-negotiable demand for peak-season electricity generation.

The official estimated the value of the new contracts to range between $1.6bn and $1.8bn. The shipments are expected to be received gradually on a monthly schedule that aligns with domestic consumption needs and market demand dynamics. The official noted that the average payload per cargo stands at 150,000 cubic metres of LNG.

To reverse its reliance on gas imports, the government has recently fast-tracked domestic drilling infrastructure, such as the West Mina offshore gas field near Alexandria, set for initial production in late 2026. The government also announced it had cleared all of its multi-billion-dollar outstanding debts owed to international oil and gas companies.