Both Egypt and Mauritania are grappling with difficulties as they try to navigate the volatile global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market.
Egypt is facing significant challenges as it prepares to resume gas exports from two major LNG facilities. Domestic gas demand has risen sharply, forcing the country to rely on imports for the first time. The Damietta and Idku LNG plants have recently resumed operations, but there is still uncertainty about when the first shipment from the Idku facility will be exported. Sources familiar with the situation suggest it could take about a year before exports start. This delay is partly due to the need for regular gas supplies to keep the plants running smoothly. The facilities require steady feedstock to avoid extensive maintenance on their storage and equipment.
The situation is made more difficult by fierce competition for gas from buyers in Asia and Europe, especially as demand for cooling during the hot summer months drives up consumption. Once known for being a gas exporter, Egypt is now importing gas to meet local needs, especially for air conditioning during peak times.
Operators from the NBC gas company, responsible for the Damietta and Idku plants, did not respond to requests for comment, leaving many to wonder about the future of Egypt’s gas exports.
Meanwhile, in Mauritania, the first LNG shipment from the Greater Ahmeyim field is stalled. Nearly a month has passed since a British gas tanker arrived to load the shipment, but technical problems have delayed the operation. Sources told Energy Economics that BP, the British oil giant overseeing the project, encountered issues during the initial loading phase. These problems are expected to be resolved within the next two weeks.
The delays began when gas leaks were discovered at Well A02. After BP reported the leak to the governments of Mauritania and Senegal on February 19, urgent measures were taken to contain the problem. By March 12, the leak had been sealed, and there is renewed optimism that operations can resume soon.
Production of Mauritania’s first LNG shipment began on February 10, 2025. The project is planned in three phases, with the first phase expected to produce 2.5 million tons per year. The full-scale project aims to reach 10 million tons annually at its peak.
The Greater Ahmeyim project relies on two offshore gas fields: Tortue and Ahmeyim, discovered between 2015 and 2016. BP controls the majority stake, holding 56%, with Cosmos Energy owning 27%, and the national oil companies of Senegal (PETROSEN) and Mauritania holding smaller shares.
The challenges faced by Egypt and Mauritania highlight the instability of the global LNG market. Both countries are trying to balance growing domestic energy needs with their commitments to international gas exports. Egypt, in particular, is dealing with rising local demand during peak seasons, making it difficult to maintain production at the Damietta and Idku plants without sacrificing exports. Mauritania’s difficulties with its first LNG shipment raise concerns about the operational readiness of new fields and their ability to handle technical setbacks.
Both countries are at critical junctures as they adjust their strategies to meet the demands of the global LNG market. Egypt is focused on stabilizing its export capabilities, while Mauritania is eager to prove itself as an emerging player in the LNG industry.
Industry experts are closely monitoring how both nations navigate these challenges. Will Egypt continue to rely on imports while trying to increase exports? How quickly can Mauritania overcome its current issues to realize its LNG ambitions? The answers to these questions could have significant implications for the energy strategies in the region.
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