The Egyptian government’s energy-saving measures, introduced on March 28 as a month-long trial, are beginning to affect daily life and business operations amid ongoing regional tensions that have disrupted energy supplies and driven prices upward. The restrictions, aimed at easing the strain on the country’s power grid following the escalation of conflict between the United States and Iran, include an early 9 p.m. closure for most non-essential businesses, widespread reductions in street lighting, and increased work-from-home policies for government offices.
Under the new regulations, supermarkets, health services, and tourism venues are exempt from the curfew. On Thursdays and Fridays, the weekend curfew is extended to 10 p.m., but for all other days, businesses such as restaurants and wedding halls must close by 9 p.m. These measures come in response to a sharp rise in global energy costs and a decline in supply triggered by the war, which has affected key transit routes including the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea’s Abu Al-Mandab passage.
The impact of the restrictions is apparent in both personal and commercial sectors. Aya Mahmoud and Eyad Hassan, a couple preparing for their wedding in Giza on April 3, were forced to substantially alter their plans after the government’s announcement on March 18. The wedding, originally scheduled to start at 9 p.m. to avoid unpredictable spring weather, now had to conclude by the same hour, forcing the venue to shift from an indoor hall to an open-air space with limited amenities. Complications extended to other suppliers, including beauty salons, where the bride was unable to secure her preferred stylists due to scheduling overlaps caused by the altered timeline.
Businesses reliant on evening trade have voiced concerns over the financial losses imposed by the curfew amid rising input costs. Mounir Beshai, manager of a downtown fast-food restaurant, described ongoing challenges as ingredient prices surge and customer numbers dwindle. Beshai called for a reconsideration of closing hours, suggesting an extension to midnight on weekdays to accommodate the seasonal influx of returning expatriates and tourists from the Gulf.
Government officials acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding the measures’ duration. A source within the Ministry of Electricity indicated that the trial period could extend through the summer, contingent on inter-ministerial consultations involving finance, oil, and interior authorities. The ministry emphasized the need to potentially intensify conservation efforts in light of sustained higher oil and gas prices—over 50 percent increases in crude and natural gas prices have been recorded since the conflict began—and supply disruptions connected to regional hostilities.
The energy-saving push coincides with broader economic challenges. Egypt’s energy import bill climbed from $9.1 billion in 2019 to $20.8 billion last year, influenced by declining domestic gas production and export commitments. The ongoing geopolitical crisis is expected to exacerbate this trend, with additional pressures coming from reduced Suez Canal revenues and hesitation among Gulf investors facing their own economic strains.
Inflationary effects are being felt by consumers, with prices for meat, poultry, fruits, and vegetables rising dramatically in recent weeks. Shoppers like Aida Magdi in eastern Cairo report cutting back on staple purchases due to their soaring costs. Meanwhile, transport services are experiencing diminished demand after evening hours, as passengers avoid going out amid higher fares and curtailed activity.
Recent announcements by the Ministry of Electricity include raising tariffs for households consuming over 2,000 kilowatt-hours per month and expected price adjustments for commercial and industrial sectors. Meanwhile, government officials have hinted at the possibility of further conservation measures, such as additional work-from-home days and potential domestic electricity rationing, depending on evolving conditions and the trajectory of the regional conflict.
Despite these challenges, some Egyptians are adapting social routines, congregating outdoors near well-lit areas while observing energy-saving constraints. Nonetheless, many remain uncertain about the future of the restrictions as the country navigates a complex balance between managing an energy crisis and sustaining economic activity amid a volatile geopolitical landscape.