Egypt has increased crude oil production from its Sinai offshore fields to the highest level since 2017, as Italian energy giant Eni and state-owned partners accelerate efforts to strengthen domestic energy supplies amid a surge in the country’s energy import bill. According to Egypt Today and Middle East Observer, production from the Sinai concession area operated by Eni and the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) has reached approximately 27,000 barrels per day, representing a more than 50% increase since the beginning of 2025. The achievement comes as Cairo seeks to reduce reliance on costly fuel imports and improve energy security.
The production increase follows an intensive investment and field optimization programme across the Gulf of Suez, Sinai, and Nile Delta regions. Ministry figures show the initiative has added more than 10,000 barrels per day above previous output levels and generated over 2.8 million barrels of additional crude production since January 2025. Newly drilled wells, including BM-133 and 113-M-131, have contributed more than 3,200 barrels per day combined, highlighting the potential of mature assets when supported by new technology, drilling activity, and operational upgrades.
The production gains arrive at a critical time for Egypt’s economy. Reuters reported earlier this year that the country’s energy import bill more than doubled as global fuel prices surged, with monthly natural gas import costs rising sharply amid regional geopolitical tensions and declining domestic gas output. The government has also accelerated repayments to international oil companies in an effort to encourage fresh investment and reverse production declines that have increased dependence on imported energy.
For Egypt, the Sinai output surge represents more than a production milestone. It demonstrates the government’s strategy of maximizing returns from mature fields while attracting new upstream investment from international partners such as Eni. Analysts say higher domestic output could help ease pressure on the country’s trade balance, reduce import requirements, and strengthen investor confidence in Egypt’s energy sector. However, with energy demand continuing to rise and domestic gas production still below previous peaks, sustained investment and new discoveries will remain crucial to the country’s long-term energy security ambitions.
