Cairo: Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi announced on Tuesday that the ministry has successfully overcome challenges related to natural gas supply, ensuring the fulfillment of domestic market needs and those of various industrial sectors. This achievement has contributed to the restoration of efficient production and operating rates in the country's fertilizer plants.
According to State Information Service Egypt, during the opening of the Arab Fertilizer Association's annual international conference, attended by Minister of Agriculture Alaa Farouk and Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem, Badawi emphasized the ministry's dedication to fulfilling the gas requirements of the fertilizer industry. This sector is seen as crucial due to its strategic significance in food security, economic growth, and exports.
The minister outlined the ministry's strategy, which involves boosting investment in exploration and development to increase domestic gas production and enhancing infrastructure with LNG regasification vessels to secure additional supplies for the local market. These efforts have led to stable gas supplies, which in turn, have significantly improved fertilizer plant performance, with operating rates exceeding 90% over the past year.
Badawi highlighted that urea fertilizer exports in 2025 reached $9.4 billion, showing an annual growth of 7.4%. This reflects the sector's strong value-added contribution and its role in generating foreign currency. He further stated that Egypt has the potential to become a regional hub for fertilizer production and exports, particularly in phosphatic fertilizers, supported by phosphate reserves exceeding 3 billion tons, placing Egypt third globally.
Coordination with the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy was also praised by Badawi. He noted that the expansion of renewable energy projects is beneficial as it frees up additional natural gas for value-added industries, especially fertilizers.
In conclusion, the minister asserted that securing energy supplies and maximizing mineral resources are crucial strategies for strengthening Egypt's fertilizer industry. This will enhance its contribution to food security, sustainable development, and exports.