On 2nd May 2026, The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources announced a new natural gas discovery in the Nile Delta region, with estimated production rates of around 50 Mmcf/d. The discovery follows the successful drilling of the exploratory well (Nidoco N-2) within the concession area, operated by Italy's Eni in partnership with the UK's bp.
In this context, Eng. Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, visited the EDC-56 drilling rig, which executed the well operations in the West Abu Madi area in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate. The well is located approximately 3 km offshore in shallow waters with a depth of around 10 meters. The well was drilled from onshore using state-of-the-art directional drilling technologies, contributing to cost optimization and enhanced operational efficiency.
The Minister asserted that this discovery, alongside increased production from existing fields, reflects the Petroleum Sector's success in settling dues owed to foreign partners, with full clearance targeted by the end of June. This highlights the state's commitment to strengthening partner confidence and fostering an attractive investment environment. He added that the regular settlement of dues has encouraged partners to intensify upstream activities, increase drilling and production rates, and expand the development of mature
fields by extending agreement periods that helped attract new investments to these areas.
Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Visits New Delta Discovery (2)
Being less than 2 km away from the nearest production facilities, the well's proximity to existing infrastructure enables rapid connection to the network within the coming weeks and the start of early production, enhancing capital efficiency.
He further noted that the discovery represents a model for maximizing the utilization of existing infrastructure, increasing production rates, and supporting gas supply to the domestic market. It also highlights Eni's continued success in exploration and production activities across its concession areas.
It is worth noting that the West Abu Madi development area is operated by Eni, in partnership with bp and the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation, through Petrobel, the joint company between EGPC and Eni.
Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Visits New Delta Discovery (3)
