Just recently three major gas fields were discovered, and now they are thought to raise Egypt’s natural gas production by 50% next year and 100% in 2020, the petroleum ministry said.
In a statement, which outlined the output forecasts, Petroleum Minister Tarek El Molla stated: “The fields of Zohr, North Alexandria, and Nooros are among the most important projects that will increase natural gas production…and will contribute to (Egypt’s) natural gas self-sufficiency by the end of 2018,”
The country has been looking to increase gas output from recently discovered fields, with an eye to stopping imports by 2019. A country that was once an energy exporter has transformed into an importer. In 2017, Egypt’s natural gas output increased to about 5.1 billion cubic feet per day from 4.4 billion cubic feet last year with the start of production from the first stage of BP’s North Alexandria project.
The three projects, including the Zohr Mediterranean gas field, are expected to bring in altogether 4.6 bln cubic feet of gas per day online by the start of 2019.
Right now, as domestic gas production pushes back demand for foreign importers, Egypt is talking to its liquefied natural gas (LNG) suppliers to delay contracted shipments in 2017 and aims to cut back on purchases next year.
Featured Image: twitter
