As energy demand continues to rise, Egypt increasingly relies on imported natural gas to support its power generation, industrial needs, and household consumption. Despite having strong domestic production, fluctuations in output and higher summer demand have pushed the country to diversify its gas suppliers.
Israel: Egypt’s Largest Gas Supplier
In 2024, Israel accounts for around 58% of Egypt’s natural gas imports, valued at approximately $2.8 billion. Most of this gas arrives through regional pipeline agreements that allow Egypt to reprocess, liquefy, or use the gas locally depending on market conditions.
The United States: A Growing Share
The United States provides about 35% of Egypt’s gas imports, totaling $1.6 billion. Much of this gas comes in the form of LNG shipments, which give Egypt flexibility when pipeline supplies are insufficient.
Other Countries
The remaining 7%, roughly $0.3 billion, comes from a mix of global LNG suppliers. These sources vary based on seasonal availability and global market prices.
Why Are Imports Rising?
Several factors contribute to Egypt’s reliance on imported gas:
- Increased domestic consumption—especially in electricity and industry.
- Cooling demands in summer months, which push power plants to operate at higher capacity.
- Fluctuating production levels at local gas fields.
- Better economic opportunity for Egypt to export LNG when international prices spike.
What Comes Next?
As geopolitical tensions and energy markets fluctuate, Egypt’s gas strategy will continue to evolve. The key challenge is balancing domestic needs with export opportunities while maintaining energy security.
