Egypt eyes new agreements to pump $5bn in oil and gas, says Minister

. Oil production rig in the sea, landscape. Red Sea, Egypt, AfricaImage: Shutterstock
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Updated 17 November 2021
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Egypt eyes new agreements to pump $5bn in oil and gas, says Minister

  • He said they were working on establishing accords related to crude oil

CAIRO: Egypt plans to increase its production of oil and gas by up to $5 billion through new agreements during the next five years, Minister of Petroleum Tarek El Molla said in an interview.

The country is reviewing foreign contracts of oil and gas exploration and production as it seeks new deals, he told Al Arabiya.

“Contract review with companies in the development and exploration of gas is what enabled us to export gas and to transform from a gas-importing country to a self-sufficient country in the past period,” El Molla said.

He said they were working on establishing accords related to crude oil, adding they had “reached agreements with partners such as Eni, Apache, TransGlobe and others.”

“The production of crude oil will be increased to cover market needs, as Egypt is an importer of petroleum products and is trying to reduce the gap as much as possible by renewing and developing these contracts," the minister said.


Saudi Arabia approves annual borrowing plan for 2026

Updated 13 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia approves annual borrowing plan for 2026

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan on Saturday approved the Kingdom’s annual borrowing plan for the 2026 fiscal year, following its endorsement by the NDMC’s Board of Directors, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The plan outlines key developments in public debt during 2025, initiatives aimed at strengthening local debt markets, and the funding strategy and guiding principles for 2026, SPA added. 

It also includes the issuance calendar for the Local Saudi Sukuk Issuance Program in Saudi riyals for the year.

According to the plan, the Kingdom’s projected funding needs for 2026 are estimated at approximately SR217 billion ($57.8 billion).

This is intended to cover an anticipated budget deficit of SR165 billion, as set out in the Ministry of Finance’s official budget statement, as well as principal repayments on debt maturing during the year, estimated at around SR52 billion.

The plan aims to maintain debt sustainability while diversifying funding sources across domestic and international markets through both public and private channels.

Funding will be raised through the issuance of bonds, sukuk and loans at fair cost, according to the SPA report.

It also outlines plans to expand alternative government financing, including project and infrastructure funding and the use of export credit agencies, during fiscal year 2026 and over the medium term, within prudent risk management frameworks.