Cairo, Egypt – The Egyptian government this week announced a series of measures to rationalize energy consumption, citing disruptions in oil and gas prices stemming from the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. The steps, announced by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly in a press conference, come as Egypt’s energy import bill has more than doubled since the conflict began compared to pre-war levels.
The most contentious decision involves the closure of shops and cafes at 9:00 PM, with extended hours until 10:00 PM on Thursdays and Fridays, for a period of one month beginning March 28th. The move has sparked debate on Egyptian social media platforms.
Beyond the adjusted operating hours, the plan includes halting the illumination of all advertising billboards and reducing public street lighting. Some energy-intensive projects have also been postponed for one month. Madbouly indicated the government is considering implementing a “remote work” system for one or two days a week in both the public and private sectors, excluding factories and essential infrastructure.
The Prime Minister emphasized that these measures are intended to reduce the energy consumption bill, stating that the alternative would have been to raise prices, potentially triggering a new wave of inflation. This follows a recent increase in fuel prices of approximately 15% in Egypt, prompted by global oil price volatility.
Reactions to the government’s decisions have been mixed. Some users on social media have expressed support, viewing the measures as necessary given the complex regional political situation. Others have voiced concerns about the direct impact on the Egyptian economy and the livelihoods of citizens.
Several users pointed to the potential negative effects on Egyptian workers who rely on evening shifts in cafes, and restaurants. Others highlighted the vital role that commercial establishments play in providing employment opportunities and driving economic growth. Conversely, some social media users praised the decisions, suggesting they could foster a culture of energy conservation and even improve traffic congestion.
Economist and former Ministry of Trade and Industry researcher, Abdel Nabi Abdel Moteleb, described the measures as having both positive and negative aspects. He lauded the consideration of remote work, suggesting it could reduce congestion and energy consumption, while also advocating for improvements to telecommunications infrastructure. Yet, he cautioned that the early closure of businesses could negatively impact informal labor in the service sector, affecting the income of many families.
Official statistics from the Ministry of Labor indicate approximately one million workers are employed in the informal sector, though Moteleb believes the actual number, including unregistered workers, could reach seven million.
Egyptian businessman Naguib Sawiris publicly called for a review of the decision via X, citing its potential negative impact on the tourism sector, despite acknowledging the current circumstances. Moteleb echoed this concern, noting that while geopolitical conditions and disruptions to air travel may affect tourism, they do not eliminate it entirely. He emphasized the importance of “Cairo by night” as a key attraction for tourists, with visits to historical areas like Fatimid Cairo, Al-Hussein, and Sayeda Zeinab being central to their experience.
Egypt received approximately 19 million tourists in 2025, a 21% increase compared to 2024, according to the Ministry of Tourism. Archaeological sites and museums welcomed 18.6 million visitors, a 33.5% increase year-on-year, as of January 2026.
Regarding the postponement of energy-intensive projects, Moteleb noted that the government regularly re-evaluates such projects. However, he expressed concern that this could include the fertilizer industry, which relies heavily on natural gas as a primary input, not just an energy source. He added that the war has already increased fertilizer prices by more than 35%.
Moteleb concluded by stressing the require to carefully review any decision that could reduce fertilizer production, given its importance to both the domestic market and export revenues, which convert natural gas into high-value added currency.
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