Egypt Targets Additional 120 Million ft3 of Gas Per Day by End of June

Egypt is aiming to boost its natural gas production by approximately 120 million cubic feet per day by the end of June, driven by the connection of nine newly developed wells across key producing regions, according to a government official speaking to Asharq on condition of anonymity.

The planned expansion reflects ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources to accelerate development activities and counter natural production decline through increased drilling and fast-tracked well tie-ins.

The initiative involves investments estimated at around $100 million, with new production coming from the Mediterranean Sea, the Nile Delta, and the Western Desert—three of Egypt’s most important hydrocarbon regions.

According to the official, Apache Corporation is targeting the addition of 45 million cubic feet per day through the connection of three new wells in the “Gumanna” field in the Western Desert.

Meanwhile, Italy’s Eni is expected to contribute around 40 million cubic feet per day from the “Nidoco 2” deepwater well in the Mediterranean Sea, while UK-based Cheiron Petroleum plans to add approximately 20 million cubic feet per day from the “Badr 15” well within its Western Desert concession area.

In addition, three onshore wells operated by a consortium including Dana Gas, Capricorn Energy, and HBS Tunisia are expected to contribute a combined 15 million cubic feet per day.

The acceleration of development and production activities is part of a broader strategy aimed at sustaining output levels and offsetting natural field decline, which is estimated at around 100 million cubic feet per month.

Egypt’s gas production has recently fallen to below 4 billion cubic feet per day, prompting authorities to intensify collaboration with international partners and fast-track investment programs.

Energy companies have recently increased exploration and development activity across the country. Chevron, for example, has begun drilling new wells in the West Mediterranean as part of its broader investment plan in Egypt’s offshore gas sector.

The government has also introduced a package of incentives to attract foreign investment in the gas industry. These measures include allowing companies to export a portion of production from new discoveries and use the proceeds to settle outstanding arrears, in addition to improving pricing mechanisms for newly produced gas.