By:Oilandgasmiddleeast

Abu Qir Fertilisers and Chemical Industries and Misr Fertilisers Production Company (MOPCO) both issued statements via the Egyptian stock exchange confirming they had received notice of a two-week supply reduction. The companies expect this will lead to a 30% drop in production during the affected period, according to Reuters.

The move comes as Egypt grapples with mounting energy supply pressures. Ahead of the high-demand summer season, the government is scrambling to secure additional shipments of natural gas and fuel oil, Reuters noted. Similar supply cuts last June disrupted operations in the fertiliser sector, underlining the vulnerability of energy-intensive industries.

Natural gas is a critical input in fertiliser manufacturing, meaning any prolonged supply disruption could affect both Egypt’s domestic agricultural needs and its export revenues.

Reuters cited data from the Joint Organisations Data Initiative showing that Egypt’s natural gas production declined sharply, from 4.6 billion cubic metres in January 2024 to just 3.3 billion cubic metres in February 2025 — marking the lowest output since April 2016.

The Ministry of Petroleum has not yet commented on the latest supply cuts, Reuters added.

Despite ongoing efforts to position itself as a regional energy hub, Egypt has faced chronic gas shortages in recent years. These issues have turned the country into a net importer of gas and forced it to implement rolling blackouts and rely on foreign financing to meet domestic needs, the Reuters report said.