Egypt has recorded a major increase in petroleum exports during the first half of 2026. Official figures show the country exported more than 2.3 million tonnes of refined petroleum products worth about $2.3 billion between January and June.
The six-month export volume already matches the country’s total petroleum product exports for all of 2025. Officials expect exports to continue growing during the second half of the year as refinery operations remain strong.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources said the exported products included jet fuel, naphtha, waxes, and vacuum distillate. These refined products are sold to international markets and help increase foreign currency earnings for the country.
The ministry expects exports to reach 2.5 million tonnes during the second half of 2026. If that target is achieved, Egypt will record one of its strongest years for petroleum product exports.
The latest results support Egypt’s long-term strategy to strengthen its energy sector. The government has invested in refinery upgrades while also encouraging more oil and gas exploration to increase domestic production.
Officials say the goal is to improve energy security, reduce dependence on imported fuels, and expand exports of higher-value refined petroleum products.
Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi said Egypt’s crude oil production has reached its highest level in about two years. Higher production has provided more crude oil for domestic refineries, allowing them to increase output.
The ministry said government efforts to attract investment have also supported production growth. Authorities worked to settle financial obligations with investment partners, encouraging companies to invest in new exploration, development, and production projects.
Officials believe these measures have strengthened confidence in Egypt’s energy sector and supported increased activity across the industry.
Refinery performance has also improved during 2026. According to the ministry, refinery utilization has climbed to around 80 percent, allowing more petroleum products to be processed inside the country.
Higher refinery activity has helped meet local fuel demand while reducing the need for imported petroleum products. At the same time, larger production volumes have created additional supplies for export markets.
Several major refineries have reported improved operating performance this year.
The Mostorod gasoline complex operated by Cairo Oil Refining Company increased monthly gasoline production by about 45,000 tonnes. The facility also boosted monthly jet fuel production by approximately 40,000 tonnes.
Alexandria National Refining and Petrochemicals Company has operated at more than 110 percent of its designed production capacity, reflecting strong operational performance.
Amreya Petroleum Refining Company also expanded production. Monthly output of 92-octane gasoline increased by between 10,000 and 15,000 tonnes, helping improve domestic fuel supplies.
The ministry also reported higher production levels at the Middle East Oil Refinery and continued upgrades at Alexandria Petroleum Company’s oils complex.
Investment remains a key part of Egypt’s energy strategy. The government is moving forward with a new group of refinery development projects valued at about $4.5 billion.
These projects aim to improve refining capacity, strengthen national energy security, lower fuel import costs, and increase the competitiveness of Egyptian petroleum exports in global markets.
Modernizing refinery infrastructure is expected to support long-term production growth while improving efficiency across the energy sector.
Separately, Minister Badawi visited Alexandria Petroleum Company’s refinery complex to review modernization work. The refinery has operated for nearly 75 years and continues to receive major upgrades.
The latest improvements included the rehabilitation of two boilers that had been in service for about 45 years. The work was completed through cooperation between Cairo Petroleum Refining Company and the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation.
Egypt’s broader economy is also showing positive momentum. International forecasts project economic growth of 4.6 percent during fiscal year 2025/26, slightly higher than the 4.4 percent recorded in the previous fiscal year.
As refinery upgrades continue and domestic production improves, Egypt is strengthening its position as a regional supplier of refined petroleum products. Higher exports, increased refinery utilization, and continued investment are expected to support economic growth while expanding the country’s role in international energy markets.
