Egypt to launch international tender for natural gas exploration

Egypt is poised to launch a global tender for natural gas exploration across at least 10 regions in the Mediterranean Sea and Nile Delta, according to a government official cited by Asharq Bloomberg. The tender is expected to coincide with the International Mediterranean Petroleum Basin Conference and Exhibition (MOC) in Alexandria this October.

Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi has secured agreements with foreign partners to accelerate development in these concession areas, aiming to bring new wells online within months. The government’s goal is to boost natural gas production to around 5 billion cubic feet per day by the end of 2024.

In parallel, Egypt is partnering with Italy’s Eni to build a $150 million fixed gasification facility in Damietta. This will convert imported liquefied gas back to its gaseous form. Talks are also underway to establish a floating gasification unit, to further bolster Egypt’s energy infrastructure.