Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly affirmed that the state has strong potential in natural gas liquefaction complexes, supported by an advanced national gas transmission network and a strategic geographic location linking production areas with global markets. Madbouly said these factors give Egypt unique competitive advantages and enable the country to maximize the added value of its natural gas resources and enhance returns from existing infrastructure.
This came during his visit on Saturday to Beheira Governorate, where he inspected several sites and facilities at Idku liquefied natural gas (LNG) complex, affiliated with the Egyptian Natural Gas Company (ELNG). Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi said that Idku LNG complex represents one of Egypt’s most important strategic assets and a unique piece of infrastructure in the natural gas sector.
He added that the facility is a successful model of partnership and integration between the state and international partners, reflecting Egypt’s ability to maximize the economic value of its strategic assets and supporting its efforts to become a regional hub for energy trade.
He noted ongoing cooperation between Egypt, Cyprus, and investment partners, highlighting progress in projects to transport and process Cypriot gas through Egyptian infrastructure for liquefaction and re-export to European and global markets. He said Egypt is expected to receive the first quantities of Cypriot gas from the “Cronos” field in 2028.
Badawi also thanked Shell and Malaysia's Petronas for their continued investment commitment in Egypt and praised the efforts of ELNG employees for operating the complex according to the highest standards of efficiency and safety. During the tour, ELNG Chairman Mohamed Salah el-Bahnasy briefed the prime minister on the complex’s capabilities, noting that it includes two LNG production units with a capacity of 3.6 million tons per year each, for a total of 7.2 million tons annually.
Madbouly also inspected the main control room, met staff, and reviewed operational systems, safety procedures, and efficiency measures. He toured several facilities and was informed that the complex is operated through a partnership between Egypt’s petroleum sector, represented by the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation and EGAS, and international partners including Shell, Malaysia's Petronas, and France's TotalEnergies.
At the end of the visit, photos were taken with the prime minister, staff, officials, and international partners, where he wished them continued success and further achievements in this vital sector.