RoydadNaft –  Egypt has launched the most comprehensive oil and natural gas exploration program in its history, with large-scale seismic surveys covering nearly 10% of the country’s total land area, Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi announced.

The program includes extensive onshore and offshore seismic studies and is designed to expand exploration across both land and maritime zones as part of Egypt’s broader energy strategy.

According to Badawi, 101 oil and natural gas wells are set to be drilled in 2026 as part of a $5.7 billion investment plan approved in 2025. Over the five-year plan, drilling operations will begin on a total of 480 wells.

The exploration drive has gained momentum following new oil and gas discoveries reported by international companies including British Petroleum (BP) and Italy’s Eni.

Large-Scale Seismic Surveys Across Egypt

Badawi highlighted the launch of a land-based seismic survey in the Southwestern Desert, covering the West Assiut and Dakhla regions over more than 100,000 square kilometers—an area equivalent to roughly 10% of Egypt’s total surface.

The 12-month project aims to enhance data quality and lower investment risks in new exploration areas.

Offshore, a seismic survey program in the Eastern Mediterranean will span approximately 95,000 square kilometers, targeting natural gas reserves in three phases. Agreements have been signed, with the first phase—covering 18,000 square kilometers—scheduled to start in 2026.

Recent Discoveries and Production Gains

According to a Petroleum Ministry report released last month, 75 new oil and gas discoveries were made during the 2024–2025 fiscal year, while 383 new wells were brought online.

These discoveries added approximately 1.1 billion cubic meters of natural gas and 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day to Egypt’s output.

Badawi noted that increased refining capacity has also saved the country around $6.7 billion in petroleum product imports.

The new exploration and production projects are aimed at bolstering energy security and reducing Egypt’s reliance on external sources.