Egypt has significantly increased its oil production in the Western Desert as part of a renewed national strategy to strengthen domestic energy supplies and attract foreign investment, the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources announced on Tuesday.
According to the ministry, the output boost comes following the successful completion of several new drilling projects in the Western Desert basin an area long considered one of Egypt’s most productive hydrocarbon zones. Officials report the discovery of new oil-bearing reservoirs and the deployment of enhanced extraction technologies as key drivers of the expansion.
“This is a major step forward in Egypt’s plan to achieve energy security and become a regional energy hub,” said Minister of Petroleum Tarek El Molla. “We are leveraging the full potential of the Western Desert to ensure a stable, sustainable supply of crude oil for domestic use and export.”
The increase in output is the result of collaborative efforts between the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and international partners, including Apache Corporation, Eni, and Shell, who have ramped up exploration activities and committed to additional investments in onshore development.
In recent months, Egypt has doubled down on efforts to modernize its oil and gas sector through regulatory reforms, digital monitoring systems, and infrastructure upgrades. The Western Desert region now contributes over 55% of the country’s total onshore crude oil production.
Energy analysts say the move not only enhances Egypt’s economic resilience but also positions it as a reliable supplier in a volatile global oil market. The development comes amid rising global demand and regional shifts in energy policy due to ongoing geopolitical tensions.
“The Western Desert continues to show strong promise for sustainable growth in upstream operations,” said energy analyst Laila Mahmoud of the Middle East Energy Institute. “Egypt is strategically tapping into underutilized reserves to meet both local demand and international commitments.”
The ministry said further drilling campaigns and seismic surveys are scheduled throughout the remainder of 2025, with more announcements expected in the coming months.
