History
Egypt’s journey in the natural gas industry reflects decades of progress, innovation, and leadership in the energy field. From the earliest discoveries in the 1960s to the establishment of advanced infrastructure and world-class projects, Egypt has positioned itself as a regional and global player in natural gas exploration, production, and trade.
Over the years, Egypt has achieved remarkable milestones, expanding domestic gas usage, launching export infrastructure, and embracing technological and environmental advancements that support sustainable growth.
1967
1967
Early discovery of natural gas in Egypt.
1970
1970
First commercial discovery of natural gas at the Abu Madi field.
1975 (November 17)
1975 (November 17)
Egypt regained sovereignty over the Sinai oil fields — a date later designated as Egyptian Petroleum Day.
1980
1980
Start of natural gas distribution to households.
1983
1983
Establishment of Egypt Gas, the first Local Distribution Company (LDC).
Mid-1980s
Mid-1980s
Launch of the National Gas Grid development.
1995
1995
Establishment of Gastec and CARGAS, Egypt’s first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) companies.
1996
1996
Start of CNG activities — Egypt became the first country in the Middle East to use natural gas as a vehicle fuel.
1997
1997
Establishment of the Egyptian Natural Gas Company (GASCO) as the Transmission System Operator (TSO).
2001
2001
Establishment of the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS).
2003
2003
Start of Arab Gas Pipeline operations — Egypt’s first natural gas export pipeline project.
2003
2003
Launch of the National Natural Gas Network Control Center (NATA).
2004
2004
First LNG export cargo from Damietta LNG (DLNG).
2005
2005
First LNG export cargo from Idku LNG (ELNG).
2015
2015
Discovery of Zohr-1, the largest natural gas field ever found in the Mediterranean, located offshore Egypt in the Shorouk concession.
2015
2015
Commissioning of Egypt’s first and second Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRU) — Hoegh and BW.
2017
2017
Start of Zohr early production
2019
2019
Record growth in gas connections for residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, along with the highest CNG vehicle conversion rates.
2019
2019
Resumption of gas exports to Jordan via the Arab Gas Pipeline after a four-year halt.
2020
2020
Damietta LNG plant returned to service; full utilization achieved at both Idku and Damietta liquefaction plants, marking the resumption of LNG exports.
2022
2022
LNG export revenues exceeded USD 2 billion.
2023
2023
Participation in the “Hayah Karima” initiative, contributing to the delivery of natural gas to 841 villages across rural Egypt.
2025
2025
Egypt contracted four regasification units in Sokhna and Aqaba ports to secure natural gas supplies for the domestic market.
