Egypt is planning to launch its largest-ever Mediterranean gas drilling expedition in 2026, which officials say will boost domestic production and lessen dependency on imports.
Speaking during an inspection of new offshore operations, Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi stated that the plan is a big step forward in the country’s energy strategy. The minister toured the STENA ICEMAX drillship as work began on the first production well in the West Meina field, which is located in the North East Amriya region.
West Meina’s initial output is expected by the end of 2026, with a daily production rate of around 160 million cubic feet of gas and 1,900 barrels of condensate.
Badawi stated that the initiative demonstrates the efficacy of the ministry’s investment incentives, which are intended to attract money through “credibility and mutual benefit”. He stated that the increased drilling activity shows progress toward increasing output and safeguarding gas supply for the domestic market.
The development comes as Egypt strives to maintain its energy balance in the face of increased local demand and unpredictable regional supply dynamics. Officials said the current year is already seeing record drilling activity across multiple producing zones as officials look for additional reservoir discoveries to boost medium-term capacity.
According to Shell Egypt, the company has begun a new phase of its 2026 Mediterranean drilling ambitions. Chair Dalia El Gabry stated that the approach is to speed development of the West Meina field while maintaining exploratory work.
“The return of strong foreign investment to the Egyptian petroleum sector demonstrates growing investor confidence,” El Gabry stated, citing an improved investment climate under the ministry’s modernised strategy.
Shell controls 60% of the site, while Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company owns the remaining 40%. The wells will be connected to existing infrastructure in the West Delta Deep Marine region.
Beyond West Meina, the Sirius exploration well in North East Amriya is scheduled to be drilled, followed by the Philox well in the Herodotus Basin’s North Cleopatra area. According to officials, these efforts could pave the way for additional gas discoveries in the Mediterranean.
Senior officials from the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company and other government agencies attended the inspection, emphasizing Cairo’s strategic role in increasing offshore gas production in the coming years.