Egyptian Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli affirmed on
Tuesday that the state has secured its needs of strategic commodities for
several months to ensure market stability and meet citizens’ requirements.
He also stressed that there will be no power outages
and no interruption of gas supplies to factories, emphasizing that Egypt does
not face a foreign currency crisis nor has restrictions on importing any goods
in any quantities.
Madbouli further underscored that the state will not
tolerate monopolistic practices and possesses the legal mechanisms to act
decisively against violators.
These statements were delivered during an expanded
press conference held at the government headquarters in the New Administrative
Capital.
Ministers of Electricity, Finance, Supply, Petroleum,
and the Minister of State for Information took part in the conference, which
addressed the repercussions of recent regional developments and the
American-Israeli operations in Iran. Although Egypt is not directly involved in
the conflict, it is inevitably affected.
Madbouli pointed to the closure of the Strait of
Hormuz, disruptions in Red Sea navigation from Bab el-Mandeb, and attacks on
oil facilities, all contributing to global energy price hikes and supply chain
instability, said the Cabinet Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed el-Homosani. “The
duration of the war remains unpredictable, which represents the greatest
challenge,” Homosani quoted Madbouli as saying.
Madbouli explained that Egypt had proactively prepared
for such scenarios months in advance, noting that the measures included
securing gas and petroleum supplies, bringing in regasification vessels,
increasing domestic production, settling dues with foreign partners, and
signing contracts for preferential gas shipments.
Consequently, Egypt is fully prepared to maintain
stable electricity and gas supplies.
He added that over 106 new exploratory wells will be
drilled this year to boost local production and reinforce Egypt’s role as a
regional energy hub.
Regarding essential commodities, the prime minister
confirmed that reserves of wheat, sugar, oil, meat, poultry, and other staples
are secured for months.
The government aims to procure nearly five million tons
of local wheat this harvest season, supported by increased procurement prices
to encourage farmers and expanded cultivation areas.
On exchange rates, Madbouli affirmed Egypt’s
commitment to a flexible exchange system based on supply and demand, stressing
that foreign currency reserves are sufficient and markets remain stable.
He cautioned against rumors and price manipulation,
warning that exceptional temporary measures may be taken only if the war
prolongs and global prices surge significantly.
He concluded by expressing hope that international
efforts will prevail in halting the war, as its continuation benefits no one.
Source: The Egyptian Gazette