Egypt Suez Canal monthly revenue losses at around $800m, El-Sisi says

The Suez Canal is a vital shipping route. Shutterstock
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Updated 18 March 2025
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Egypt Suez Canal monthly revenue losses at around $800m, El-Sisi says

CAIRO: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has announced that the monthly losses of the Suez Canal revenues reached around $800 million due to the regional “situation,” as Yemen’s Houthis have been attacking vessels in the Red Sea.

The Iran-backed Houthis have attacked vessels in the Red Sea area since November 2023 in support of Palestinians in Gaza during the war with Israel, disrupting global shipping by forcing vessels to avoid the nearby Suez Canal and reroute trade around Africa, raising shipping costs.

The Egyptian presidency statement did not directly refer to the Houthis, but El-Sisi said in December the disruption cost Egypt around $7 billion in less revenue from the Suez Canal in 2024.

The Yemeni group recently vowed to resume attacking US vessels in the Red Sea, in response to deadly US strikes on Yemen that killed at least 53 people on Saturday, in the biggest US military operation in the Middle East since President Donald Trump took office in January.

They also said last week they would resume attacks on Israeli ships passing through the Red Sea if Israel did not lift a block on aid entering Gaza.


Arab Energy Fund takes minority stake in Saudi energy firm APSCO 

Updated 15 January 2026
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Arab Energy Fund takes minority stake in Saudi energy firm APSCO 

RIYADH: The Arab Energy Fund has acquired a minority stake in Saudi Arabia’s Arabian Petroleum Supply Co., backing one of the Kingdom’s largest private energy solutions providers as it looks to expand across the Middle East and beyond. 

The investment initiates a partnership aimed at pursuing opportunities across the Middle East, North Africa, and select international markets, covering APSCO’s core and adjacent business sectors. 

The move underscores TAEF’s commitment to investing in established regional leaders while promoting innovation and sustainable growth across the energy value chain. 

According to a press release, the transaction marks The Arab Energy Fund’s first investment of 2026, following an active 2025 during which the fund completed several key deals, including investments in Jafurah Midstream Gas Co. alongside BlackRock and in the platform Tagaddod. 

Khalid Al-Ruwaigh, CEO of The Arab Energy Fund, commented on the deal, saying: “APSCO represents a unique platform with strong fundamentals and a proven track record in critical energy segments.” 

He added: “This investment aligns with our mandate to support high-quality energy and energy-adjacent businesses that are well-positioned to capture growth across the region and beyond.” 

The Arab Energy Fund is a multilateral impact financial institution established in 1974 by 10 Arab oil-exporting countries. 

Mohammed Ali Ibrahim Alireza, managing director, APSCO, said: “We welcome The Arab Energy Fund as a strategic partner supporting our next phase of growth.” 

He added: “As a pioneer in energy solutions for over 60 years, APSCO remains committed to quality, reliability, and innovation, while continuing to contribute to Vision 2030 by enhancing efficiency and minimizing environmental impact.” 

The partnership is designed to bolster APSCO’s long-term growth strategy, operational excellence, and geographic expansion, leveraging TAEF’s regional expertise and institutional network. 

APSCO is a Saudi energy company with more than 60 years of experience in integrated energy solutions, including aviation fuels, lubricants, and a nationwide automotive retail network. 

The company holds long-term partnerships with global energy leaders, including a 60-year relationship with ExxonMobil for lubricant distribution across several Middle Eastern countries. Since 1999, APSCO has also been the exclusive aviation fueling services provider for Saudia.