Egypt’s Mina West gas field to start output in Q4 2026
Egypt’s Mina West offshore gas field is expected to begin production in the fourth quarter of 2026, the petroleum ministry said on Sunday, as the country steps up efforts to boost gas output from deepwater developments.
The field, developed in partnership with Shell and Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company (KUFPEC), is expected to add about 160 million cubic feet per day of gas once connected to existing infrastructure, according to Rashid Petroleum (RASHPETCO), the joint venture operating the field.
Rashid Petroleum Chairman Mohamed Degheidy said drilling of a second well, Mina West-2, is underway after strong initial test results.
The ministry said the project forms part of a broader push to expand production in the West Delta Deep Marine area, where Shell and Malaysia’s Petronas are key partners.
Petroleum Minister Karim Badawy said advanced exploration technologies, including 4D seismic surveys and ocean bottom node (OBN) systems, are central to boosting gas discoveries in deepwater areas. He added that the ministry is considering expanding its use to improve data accuracy, reduce investment risks, and accelerate the development of deeper gas resources.
Shell Egypt Chair Dalia Elgabry said the company is using advanced technologies in offshore exploration, including 4D seismic surveys deployed for the first time in Egypt to identify new opportunities. She added that Shell is also considering the future use of ocean bottom node (OBN) seismic technology to target deeper resources.
Rashid Petroleum is also preparing a new development phase, with plans to invest about $350 million to drill three wells under Phase 12-A starting in the first quarter of 2027.
The company produced an average of 366 million cubic feet of gas per day and more than 6,100 barrels of condensates in the second half of 2025, exceeding its target by 104 per cent, Degheidy said, reflecting stronger-than-expected output.
Elgabry added that Shell is advancing development of the Sirius discovery in the Mediterranean as part of ongoing exploration.
Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
Subediting: Y.Yasser