Cairo: Egypt's crude oil production has reached a significant milestone, now exceeding 540,000 barrels per day, as announced by Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi. This achievement marks a return to a growth trajectory for the sector, attributed to the concerted efforts of the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and its affiliated companies.According to State Information Service Egypt, the announcement was made during an extensive meeting held at the EGPC headquarters. The session was attended by EGPC Chief Executive Officer Salah Abdel Karim, along with deputy CEOs, senior executives, and department heads. The meeting was part of the ministry's ongoing initiatives to monitor sector performance and foster dialogue aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and the overall performance of the petroleum sector.Minister Badawi addressed employees across the petroleum and mining sectors, emphasizing that safety remains the industry's foremost priority. He highlighted the importan ce of safeguarding workers at production sites, facilities, and corporate offices, describing it as a fundamental responsibility that must not be compromised. He also encouraged employees to maintain a strong commitment to personal safety beyond the workplace.The minister called for the development of innovative ideas and practical initiatives to overcome operational challenges, attract additional investments, increase productivity, and accelerate project implementation. He stressed the importance of shortening the timeline required to bring newly discovered fields into production.Badawi also highlighted recent measures introduced by the ministry, EGPC, and state-owned holding companies to improve the economics of exploration, development, and production agreements with international partners and investors. He underscored the strategic importance of EGPC to Egypt's economy and energy security, noting the critical role every department and work team plays in maintaining reliable fuel and energy supplies, p articularly during peak summer consumption.EGPC CEO Salah Abdel Karim reviewed the initiatives undertaken by EGPC's departments to boost production, secure domestic market requirements, and enhance operations in transportation, distribution, and refining. He confirmed that the sector is fully prepared to meet summer demand and ensure uninterrupted energy supplies, based on successful past performance.Abdel Karim also revealed ongoing work at the gasoline complex operated by Cairo Petroleum Refining Company. The project is expected to add 2,000 tons of gasoline per day starting in August, aiming to reduce Egypt's fuel import bill by approximately $70 million per month.