Egypt Reports Surge in Refining Output

Egypt’s oil refining production climbed to its highest level this year as it pushed ahead with expansion projects to meet growing domestic demand and reduce imports.

The Arab country’s crude output also hit its highest level in two years after foreign operators were encouraged by the payment of their outstanding dues to pump fresh investments into oilfield development projects.

Egypt’s petroleum and mineral resources minister Karim Badawi said crude output is projected to rise further as foreign oil companies are expected to invest more in development, exploration and production.

Badawi did not mention Egypt’s current oil production but last month he said in press comments that it has risen to nearly 540,000 barrels per day (bpd) following the completion of some oilfield development projects by foreign partners.

“As for refining, capacity of the refineries swelled by nearly 80 percent this year…this of course will support the needs of the local market and ease reliance on imports of petroleum products….exports are also expected to rise as there will be more surplus,” Badawi said in statements published on the ministry’s website.

His figures showed petroleum products exports soared to nearly 2.3 million tonnes in the first half of 2026, surpassing exports during the whole 2025.

Badawi said such exports are projected to increase to around 2.5 million tonnes in the second half of this year, adding that their value stood at US$2.3 billion in the first half.

“There are plans for new refining projects with investments of around US$4.5 billion…this will further reduce the import bill and support Egypt’s energy security,” he said.

In February, Badawi was reported as saying there is a plan to develop six oil refineries with total investments of more than US$4 billion.

Early this month, prime minister Mostafa Madbouly revealed plans to expand the country’s strategic petroleum reserves as renewed disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz raises concerns over fuel supplies.

Egypt’s proven crude oil and gas deposits are estimated by the Kuwait-based Arab Energy Organisation at 3.3 billion barrels and 2.1 trillion cubic metres respectively.