Egypt moves to unlock new Mediterranean gas supplies as Chevron begins new offshore drilling project

Egypt has taken another step in its push to boost domestic gas production after drilling officially began at the Narcissus natural gas field in the Mediterranean, a project authorities hope will help ease pressure on the country’s growing energy import bill.

May 24, 2026 - 07:50

Egypt moves to unlock new Mediterranean gas supplies as Chevron begins new offshore drilling project

Egyptian Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi inspects offshore drilling operations at the Narcissus gas field in the Mediterranean as Chevron and Eni accelerate efforts to boost Egypt’s domestic natural gas production. [Facebook/Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Egypt]

Egypt has taken another step in its push to boost domestic gas production after drilling officially began at the Narcissus natural gas field in the Mediterranean, a project authorities hope will help ease pressure on the country’s growing energy import bill.

Egypt has launched new drilling operations at the Narcissus gas field in the Mediterranean as part of efforts to increase domestic gas production.
The project is being led by Chevron in partnership with Italy’s Eni and other regional energy stakeholders.
Egyptian authorities say the development is aimed at reducing reliance on imported natural gas and strengthening energy security.
The government is also pushing international energy firms to fast-track undeveloped offshore discoveries into production.

The start of operations, led by Chevron Corporation in partnership with Eni and other regional partners, signals renewed efforts by Egypt to accelerate the development of undeveloped offshore gas discoveries amid rising domestic demand and growing pressure on foreign currency reserves.

Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, witnessed the launch of drilling activities aboard the “Stena Forth” drilling vessel, which recently arrived in Egyptian waters to begin field operations at the offshore site.

The Narcissus field is viewed as one of several strategic Mediterranean gas assets that Egyptian authorities want fast-tracked into production as the country seeks to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on imported natural gas.

Badawi said the project forms part of a wider government strategy aimed at encouraging international energy companies to speed up investments in undeveloped gas discoveries and bring new supplies online.

Egypt has increasingly relied on imports to meet domestic energy needs in recent years, despite positioning itself as a regional gas hub through major discoveries such as the Zohr field.

The minister also praised cooperation among the Egyptian petroleum sector, Chevron, and Eni, saying that closer coordination among operators and state institutions helped overcome technical and operational challenges that had delayed progress on the field.

Officials expect the development of the Narcissus field to contribute to future production growth and support Egypt’s broader energy and economic objectives.