Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Egypt’s energy import bill surged from $1.2 billion in January to $2.5 billion in March, as the regional war drove a sharp increase in global fuel, petroleum, liquefied natural gas, and crude oil prices, prompting the government to roll out fuel-saving measures and broader economic support steps.

During a press conference, Madbouly said Egypt continues to have an abundance of goods in local markets, with prices remaining stable despite mounting regional pressures.

He noted that the rise in global energy prices has directly increased the country’s import bill, placing added strain on public finances.

As part of the government’s response, he announced a two-month slowdown of major projects that consume large amounts of diesel and gasoline to rationalize fuel use and preserve the pace of economic growth.

Madbouly also revealed that a remote work system will be introduced in both public and private sectors on the first Sunday of each week, starting from the first Sunday of April.

The measure will apply across state sectors except service and production sectors, in addition to universities and schools.

On the fiscal side, Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk said the new budget includes a 30% increase in health allocations and a 20% increase in education allocations, while Madbouly stressed that the anticipated wage increase will be substantial compared to inflation.

Meanwhile, Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi said the ministry has secured four gasification ships to ensure the energy supplies needed to meet Egypt’s requirements during the current period.