Egypt’s oil refining activity grows 22.4% in Q3 FY2025/26

Egypt’s petroleum refining activity grew 22.4 per cent in the third quarter of fiscal year 2025/2026, while recording 8.7 per cent growth over the full fiscal year, Planning and Economic Development Minister Ahmed Rostom said.

Rostom made the remarks during a meeting with Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi on Sunday to review performance indicators in the petroleum sector, developments in production and investment, and efforts to improve services for citizens.

The meeting also reviewed the expansion of fuel service and refuelling stations for petrol and diesel vehicles. The number of such stations increased from 2,900 in 2014 to 4,107 by the end of FY2025/2026, according to the statement.

Rostom highlighted the petroleum sector’s role in supporting economic growth, noting notable improvements in its performance and positive growth.

Badawi said the petroleum sector is moving towards positive growth, with crude oil production returning to growth, refining activity expanding, and the decline in natural gas production being brought under control in preparation for a return to growth.

He said the payment of outstanding dues to foreign partners had restored investment flows needed for field development and exploration, after accumulated dues had contributed to declining production.

Increasing domestic oil and gas production remains a top priority for the Petroleum Ministry, Badawi said, adding that efforts will focus on developing existing fields and intensifying exploration for discoveries to meet domestic demand and reduce imports.

The minister also highlighted plans to expand natural gas connections to homes as an alternative to liquefied petroleum gas cylinders, as well as convert vehicles to run on natural gas and increase the number of natural gas refuelling stations.

On energy diversification, Badawi said the ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of Electricity to increase the contribution of renewable energy to electricity generation, which would reduce gas consumption and help lower gas import costs.

Projects connecting Cypriot gas fields to Egypt’s infrastructure will also strengthen Egypt’s role as a regional energy hub, maximise the use of existing facilities, and secure additional gas supplies for the domestic market, he added.