On September 30, 2025, Egypt’s ambitions as a regional energy powerhouse took another step forward as the country’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, conducted a high-profile inspection of new gas exploration and production wells in the Mediterranean Sea. The visit, which included top officials such as the Chairman of the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation and Mahmoud Abdel Hamid, Chairman of the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS), was not just a routine check-in. Instead, it marked a pivotal moment in Egypt’s ongoing efforts to boost its natural gas output and reinforce its strategic position in the global energy market.
At the heart of these efforts is an expanding partnership with Shell, one of the world’s energy giants. During a detailed meeting at the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation’s headquarters, Minister Badawi and Dalia El-Gabry, President of Shell Egypt, reviewed the company’s ambitious plans for the coming period. The agenda was packed: from drilling new wells and expanding exploration in the Mediterranean’s promising offshore blocks, to fast-tracking production from recently completed projects.
According to statements released by the Ministry of Petroleum, the discussions focused on Shell’s operational programs, especially its plans to drill new wells aimed squarely at boosting Egypt’s gas output. The Mediterranean, with its deepwater fields, has become a focal point for international investment and technological innovation. Egypt’s government, keen to maintain momentum, has rolled out a series of incentives to attract global players like Shell, ensuring that the sector remains vibrant and competitive.
Recent milestones were also on the table. Shell’s success in bringing wells from phases ten and eleven of the West Delta Deep Marine fields online has contributed significantly to Egypt’s rising gas production. These achievements, officials noted, are not just technical or economic wins—they are strategic. With each new well, Egypt inches closer to securing its energy future, ensuring reliable supplies for domestic needs and enhancing its export capabilities.
Minister Badawi didn’t mince words about the stakes involved. He emphasized the importance of “securing Egypt’s strategic energy reserves and maintaining the safety and security of production operations.” For a country that has experienced both boom and bust cycles in its energy sector, these are not just platitudes. They reflect a deep-seated determination to avoid past pitfalls and to leverage every opportunity for sustainable growth.
The inspection tour was part of a broader campaign to monitor and accelerate exploration and production activities in Egypt’s Mediterranean offshore gas fields. The region has emerged as a linchpin in Egypt’s energy strategy, thanks to a combination of favorable geology, robust infrastructure, and a regulatory environment designed to encourage investment. During the visit, officials reviewed progress on new exploration wells and ongoing production operations, underscoring the government’s hands-on approach to sector management.
But what really sets Egypt apart in the current energy landscape is its multi-pronged approach. While ramping up exploration and drilling, the government is also working to maximize the value of its existing assets. Nowhere is this more evident than in the ongoing partnership with Shell at the Idku liquefied natural gas (LNG) complex on the Mediterranean coast. The facility, a cornerstone of Egypt’s ambition to become a regional hub for gas trade, allows Egypt and its partners to process and export gas to global markets, generating much-needed foreign currency and strengthening economic ties with Europe and beyond.
During the meeting, both sides discussed how to extract the greatest economic benefit from this unique infrastructure. Shell’s continued commitment to the Idku LNG plant, coupled with new investment in upstream exploration, signals a vote of confidence in Egypt’s stability and its prospects as an energy exporter. “We are committed to working closely with our Egyptian partners to realize the full potential of these assets,” said Dalia El-Gabry, according to the ministry’s official statement.
Of course, none of this happens in a vacuum. Egypt’s recent successes in gas production have come against a backdrop of global energy volatility and shifting demand patterns. As Europe scrambles to secure alternative gas supplies in the wake of geopolitical tensions, Egypt’s ability to ramp up production and export capacity has taken on added significance. The government’s focus on maintaining a secure, reliable supply chain is not just about domestic needs—it’s about seizing a moment of opportunity on the world stage.
Investment incentives have played a crucial role in attracting companies like Shell. The Ministry of Petroleum has implemented a range of measures designed to lower barriers to entry, speed up project timelines, and ensure a fair return on investment. These policies, officials say, are already bearing fruit. The pace of new discoveries has quickened, and international companies are lining up to participate in upcoming licensing rounds.
Still, challenges remain. Deepwater exploration is inherently risky and expensive, and the global energy transition means that long-term projects must be both economically and environmentally sustainable. Minister Badawi has repeatedly stressed the importance of safety and environmental stewardship, making it clear that Egypt’s energy future will be built on a foundation of responsible development.
The inspection concluded with a renewed commitment from all parties to keep pushing forward. As the minister and his team departed the Mediterranean offshore sector, the message was clear: Egypt is open for business, and it intends to be a leader in the next chapter of the global gas story.
For now, the focus remains on execution—drilling those new wells, bringing fresh discoveries online, and ensuring that every cubic meter of gas contributes to Egypt’s growth and stability. With Shell and other international partners at the table, the path ahead looks promising, if not without its hurdles. But as Egypt’s energy officials are quick to point out, the country’s track record in recent years shows that it’s up to the challenge.
In the end, Egypt’s Mediterranean gas fields are more than just a source of energy—they’re a symbol of national ambition, international cooperation, and the relentless pursuit of a brighter economic future.