Egypt Implements Early Closures Amid Energy Crisis

Sun Mar 29 2026 04:18:59 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In response to rising energy prices exacerbated by regional conflicts, Egypt's government mandates early closing hours for shops and restaurants, amidst a series of temporary measures aimed at curtailing energy consumption.

Egypt's shops, restaurants, and cafes are required to close by 21:00 for the next month as part of the government's strategy to tackle soaring energy costs linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Additional measures include reduced lighting in public spaces and a return to home working for many non-essential employees. Although tourism facilities are exempt, rising oil prices pose broader economic concerns for the nation.

Egypt Implements Early Closures Amid Energy Crisis

In response to rising energy prices exacerbated by regional conflicts, Egypt's government mandates early closing hours for shops and restaurants. Retail and dining establishments must now close by 21:00 (19:00 GMT) each night for the next month, starting Saturday.

The exceptional measures introduced by the Egyptian government also include dimming street lights and roadside advertisements, as well as a return to home working for one day a week in April for many employees.

Egypt has faced significant impacts from the Middle East conflict and an effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for oil supply routes. Global oil prices have skyrocketed since the disruption, raising concerns about potential knock-on effects on the costs of food, medicine, and other essential goods.

Despite Egypt's non-involvement in the war, its reliance on imported fuel has rendered it vulnerable to energy supply shocks. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly revealed that the country's petrol bill has more than doubled from January to March, reaching $2.5 billion.

Exempt from these energy-saving measures are hotels and tourist attractions, which are vital to Egypt’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP. Some hotels, such as the Marriott and Cosmopolitan in Cairo, are taking proactive steps by acquiring generators to ensure their restaurants remain operational regardless of the new regulations.

While most employees will work from home one day a week, essential services, including hospitals and schools, will continue operating without interruption.

As the world grapples with the implications of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Egypt is making significant adjustments to mitigate the financial strain on public infrastructure and resources.