Egypt imposes commercial curfew amid rising energy costs

Friday 27 March 2026 - 16:00

The Egyptian government announced a new commercial curfew starting Saturday, requiring shops, restaurants, and shopping centers to close at 9 p.m. on weekdays, as part of emergency measures to curb soaring energy costs. The restrictions will initially last one month, according to Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.

The curfew will not apply to Thursday and Friday evenings, when businesses may remain open until 10 p.m. The government cited a sharp increase in imported gas prices, noting that monthly energy costs have nearly tripled since the start of the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Essential services, including hospitals, water stations, and transportation networks, are exempt, but public lighting and outdoor advertising have been minimized. Administrative offices are required to halt operations and turn off electricity by 6 p.m., with the government also considering one or two days of remote work per week for civil servants to further reduce expenses.

Earlier in March, Egypt raised fuel prices by over 30%, following attacks on regional oil infrastructure and threats to the Strait of Hormuz, which handles 20% of global energy shipments. The disruption of shipping through the Suez Canal has also reduced foreign currency income, adding pressure to an economy struggling after a historic currency low.

Tourism authorities clarified that these measures will not affect tourists or major destinations such as Hurghada, Luxor, Aswan, and Sharm El-Sheikh, which are fully exempt from the curfew.