Full steam ahead for Egypt

An expanded role for private investment in Egypt's natural gas sector will catalyse the country's drive to become a regional energy hub

A casual reader of Egypt's Official Gazette mightn't find much in the way of excitement in Law 196 of 2017. But for anyone interested in the country's burgeoning natural gas sector it's hugely important. In effect, Egypt is taking a giant step towards becoming the region's natural gas hub and putting itself beyond the reach of potential competitors like Cyprus and Turkey. The new law allows private sector firms to use the state import and distribution infrastructure to trade in natural gas. Section 3 of the regulations states clearly that one of the main aims is to "attract and promote investment in gas market activities, and encourage a climate of competition in order to establish a competi