Shell drills first production well in Egypt’s Mina West Gas Field

Shell has begun drilling its first production well at Egypt’s Mina West gas field, a key step in the company’s multi-billion-dollar investment push in the Mediterranean, the country’s petroleum ministry said Tuesday.

The well, located in Northeast Al-Amriya, is slated to start producing gas by the end of 2026, with an estimated output of 160 million cubic feet per day and 1,900 barrels of condensates. The project is part of a broader initiative to expand Egypt’s exploration, development, and production activities.

Petroleum Minister Karim Badawy, who inspected operations aboard the STENA ICEMAX rig, said the move demonstrates the positive impact of Egypt’s investment policies for international energy partners, emphasising “commitment, credibility and mutual benefit.” The new production is expected to boost domestic energy supply, reduce reliance on imports, and strengthen the country’s energy security.

The ministry said 2026 will mark the largest Mediterranean drilling programme in Egypt’s history, with multiple wells planned to explore new reservoirs and expand production capacity.

Shell Egypt Chair Dalia ElGabry‏ said the company is also accelerating exploratory drilling at West Mena and other Mediterranean sites, highlighting growing confidence from foreign investors in Egypt’s oil and gas sector.

The current four-well programme includes West Mena-1 and West Mena-2, operated by Shell (60 per cent) with Kuwait’s KUFPEC (40 per cent), connected to existing West Delta Deep Marine (WDDM) facilities. It also features the Sirius exploratory well in Northeast Al-Amriya and the Philox well in North Cleopatra, Herodotus Basin, aimed at unlocking new Mediterranean gas resources.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English