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Egypt has directed shops, restaurants and malls to close earlier to reduce soaring energy costs triggered by the ongoing Iran war.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that businesses will shut by 9:00 pm on weekdays starting Saturday, with extended hours until 10:00 pm on Thursdays and Fridays.
He noted that the measure will initially remain in place for one month.
Madbouly explained that the country’s monthly energy bill has surged dramatically, rising from about $560 million before the conflict to roughly $1.65 billion for the same supply.
He added that the government is preparing for a worst-case scenario due to the uncertainty surrounding the war.
Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy, however, clarified that the restrictions would not affect tourists or major destinations.
Earlier in March, the government increased fuel prices by over 30 percent following disruptions to regional oil infrastructure and threats to the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.
The diversion of shipping traffic away from the Suez Canal has also reduced a critical source of foreign exchange for the country.
