To develop natural gas exploration and production in Egypt, the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has issued eight natural gas licences to Eni, BP, Apex International, Energy Egypt, United Energy, Enap Sipetrol, and Ina. With 33 wells slated to be drilled in important basins around the country, the permits are estimated to bring in a minimum of $250 million.

Following several sizeable gas discoveries in 2020 and 2021, the government held its first-ever oil and gas exploration auction in 2021, offering 24 blocks. The auction, which was held by the state-owned Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company, was held via a new digital platform that was launched in February 2020 and includes a “database of information on all stages of drilling, exploration, and production of oil and gas projects.”

The permits will help Egypt accomplish its energy sector goals by increasing natural gas’s participation in the country’s energy mix, developing a competitive export market, and assuring gas self-sufficiency.

The website has been and continues to be critical in the digital transformation of the country’s energy industry, while also ensuring that regional and global stakeholders have access to up-to-date information on oil and gas exploration potential.