Drilling platform in the Gulf of Suez
Egypt LNG restart optimism no substitute for gas strategy
The high-profile restart of the Damietta facility has ramped up rhetoric and expectations. But it may not be as simple as that
Egyptian authorities have hailed the first cargoes from the 7.56bn m³/yr (5.3mn t/yr) Damietta plant, after almost nine years of inactivity, as a boost to the country’s profile as an LNG exporter and to its role as a potential regional hub in the East Mediterranean. But, beyond the short-term monetary benefit of LNG exports, the impact of the global pandemic on wider LNG prices and on Egypt’s finances highlights the need for a sustainable and long-term policy that integrates the country’s gas sector priorities. That must include the role and price of gas in the domestic market and economy and the need to incentivise upstream activities, as well as the benefits of LNG as a revenue source and
Also in this section
6 February 2026
The long close relationship between key supplier Qatar and pivotal buyer Japan becomes even deeper following new landmark deal
6 February 2026
Partnerships across the LNG value chain have evolved over time, growing in both complexity and importance, according to panellists at LNG2026
6 February 2026
Nigeria's mega-refinery is still trying to solve many challenges, all while its owner talks up expansion
5 February 2026
While broadly supportive of EU efforts to tackle methane emissions, representatives of the gas industry warn it could deter supply contracting if timelines and compliance requirements are not made more pragmatic
