Israel halts gas exports to Egypt amid geopolitical tensions

Israel has stopped exporting natural gas to Egypt, according to a statement from the Israeli Ministry of Energy on February 28, cited by Al Ahram. Earlier, local Egyptian sources confirmed that the country had ceased receiving gas from Israel. The news follows military strikes by both Israel and the US on Iran, to which Tehran responded with similar actions on US military bases in GCC countries and Israeli cities.

Israel, a key gas supplier for Egypt, was forced to shutdown two of its major gas fields after the attacks, leading to disruptions in energy supplies to Egypt. In response, Egypt's Ministry of Petroleum reassured the public, stating that it had diversified its energy sources as part of a proactive strategy to secure domestic energy supplies.

In December 2025, Egypt and Israel finalised a historic $35bn gas deal to supply 130bn cubic metres of natural gas from the Leviathan field through 2040. The agreement, which started its first phase in 2026, aims to secure Egypt’s domestic energy needs and utilise its liquefaction plants to re-export gas to Europe as a regional hub.

The Ministry explained that it had taken precautionary measures to secure the local energy market, particularly for natural gas and petroleum products. These measures were coordinated with various government bodies to ensure continued supply and preparedness for potential disruptions amid the evolving geopolitical situation.

The Ministry also highlighted that, despite the interruption of gas supplies from the Eastern Mediterranean, Egypt had secured alternative gas sources and is prepared with backup capacity. Over the course of 2025, Egypt secured additional LNG supplies through long-term agreements and contracts with global companies, ensuring energy security for electricity, industry, and residential needs.

The gas partnership remains fragile, following the recent regional military strikes in late February 2026. Gas flows have been repeatedly suspended due to security closures of Israeli offshore fields.