Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi said on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the ministry has succeeded in overcoming challenges related to natural gas supply, securing domestic market needs and various industrial sectors, contributing to the restoration of efficient production and operating rates.
In remarks during the opening of the Arab Fertilizer Association’s annual international conference, attended by Minister of Agriculture Alaa Farouk and Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem, the minister of petroleum stressed the ministry’s commitment to meeting the gas needs of the fertilizer industry as a key input for production, given its strategic importance to food security, economic growth and exports.
He said the ministry has worked on ensuring gas supply through two main pillars: boosting investment in exploration and development to increase domestic gas production, and strengthening infrastructure through LNG regasification vessels to secure additional supplies for the local market.
The minister noted that stable gas supplies have directly improved fertilizer plant performance, with operating rates exceeding 90% over the past year. Urea fertilizer exports in 2025 reached $9.4 billion, with annual growth of 7.4%, reflecting the sector’s strong value-added contribution and foreign currency generation.
Badawi added that Egypt has strong potential to become a regional hub for fertilizer production and exports, particularly phosphatic fertilizers, supported by phosphate reserves exceeding 3 billion tons, ranking Egypt third globally. He also praised coordination with the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy, noting that the expansion of renewable energy projects helps free up additional natural gas for value-added industries, especially fertilizers.
The minister concluded that securing energy supplies and maximizing mineral resources are key pillars for strengthening Egypt’s fertilizer industry and enhancing its role in food security, sustainable development, and exports.