Egypt Announces Mediterranean Gas Discovery Estimated at 200 Bcf

Cairo’s Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources reported positive results from exploratory well Naseem-1X in the Tiba concession in the Mediterranean Sea, according to a Nov. 6 statement carried by Anadolu Agency and Egypt’s State Information Service.

Preliminary evaluation points to roughly 200 billion cubic feet of natural gas in the reservoir. Anadolu Agency noted that figure reflects gas in place, not confirmed recoverable reserves.

The well cut a gas-bearing interval with favorable petrophysical properties and a net thickness of about 15 meters at true vertical depth, the ministry said.

Italy’s Eni operates the concession with Australia’s Woodside. Belayim Petroleum, or Petrobel, drilled the well on behalf of the partners.

Studies and Pipeline Tie-In

Technical and reservoir work is continuing to size recoverable volumes, gauge production potential, and prepare a development plan. Officials have not given a start-up date.

To shorten the path to first gas, the partners plan a roughly 22-kilometer pipeline linking the well to the Abu Madi–El Gamil system and existing processing infrastructure.

The ministry tied the result to higher exploration activity, a stronger investment climate, and progress on settling dues owed to foreign energy partners.

Domestic Supply Pressure

The announcement lands as Egypt works to lift domestic output after periods of tight supply, including emergency energy rationing as import costs jumped and Israel’s approval of a large Leviathan gas export deal with Egypt.

Regional buyers have also scrambled for firm Mediterranean supply, including Spain’s push for more Algerian gas during the wider energy squeeze.

Ministry officials framed Naseem-1X as a step that could support local gas production once studies finish and commercial viability is set. Recoverable volumes and daily rates remain subject to further appraisal.