Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that starting March 28, all restaurants, shops, cafes, and shopping malls will be required to close at 9:00 PM for a period of one month.

An exception will be made for Thursdays and Fridays, with the government set to review the situation following this initial phase.

Speaking during his weekly press conference on Wednesday, the Prime Minister added that the government will move to deactivate billboard lighting in streets and public squares.

Furthermore, efforts to reduce general street lighting will continue, alongside the postponement of national projects that require high consumption of diesel fuel.

Egypt relies heavily on natural gas to power its electricity plants. Due to the regional conflict and the disruption of gas imports from regional fields, Egypt is facing a supply deficit.

To avoid widespread blackouts, the government is forced to cut consumption in “non-essential” areas like malls and street advertisements.