Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 7, Egypt’s Ministry of Petroleum has issued a global tender inviting specialized companies to carry out a seismic survey across 100,000 square kilometers in the Eastern Mediterranean. The objective is to assess potential gas reserves and accelerate discoveries in the region.

The survey area will be divided into several sectors, allowing multiple companies to work in parallel under a defined schedule. The government will not fund the seismic operations. Instead, participating companies will sell the resulting data packages to international oil and gas firms seeking exploration rights.

The Eastern Mediterranean is a key gas-producing area for Egypt, contributing 62% of the country’s natural gas output. It is followed by the Nile Delta with 19% and the Western Desert with 18%. Currently, 20 companies are operating in these regions.

A government official stated that the new survey will provide small and medium-sized gas producers with access to updated data and exploration opportunities. This could reduce their seismic survey expenses by at least 60%, making entry into the region more cost-effective.

In a separate effort to support domestic energy development, the government is working to attract 20 local companies to invest directly in the rehabilitation of mature oil and gas fields. Talks are underway with Egyptian investors, including businessman Mohamed Abu El-Enein and his newly formed energy company, Al Nile, under Cleopatra Holding Group.

Previously, the Ministry of Petroleum signed four memoranda of understanding with local industrial groups—Hassan Allam Holding-Infinity Capital Investment, Ezz Steel, El Sewedy Industrial, and Motaweret Petroleum Services (Adis). These agreements are focused on studying and evaluating opportunities to revitalize ageing fields in the Gulf of Suez and the Eastern Desert.

Through this dual approach—facilitating access to seismic data and encouraging local investment in mature fields—Egypt aims to strengthen its energy sector. By reducing entry barriers and improving exploration efficiency, the country is positioning itself to attract both international and domestic stakeholders in upstream gas and oil development.