CAIRO – 23 December 2024: Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly chaired a high-level meeting at the government headquarters in the New Administrative Capital today to review the final preparations for a national initiative to convert vehicles to run on natural gas. The program, set to launch at the start of the new year, is part of the government's efforts to promote cleaner energy and provide financial relief for citizens.
The meeting brought together senior officials, including Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk, Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi, Central Bank Deputy Governor Essam Omar, and executives from the Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company.
Prime Minister Madbouly emphasized the collaborative efforts between the Ministries of Finance and Petroleum to ensure the initiative's successful implementation. He underscored the project’s dual objectives: reducing harmful carbon emissions and alleviating financial burdens on citizens through fuel cost savings.
During the meeting, Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi outlined the work of a joint task force from the Ministries of Finance and Petroleum that has been spearheading the initiative. He announced that the initiative is ready for launch and will be supported by a public awareness campaign to highlight the advantages of switching to natural gas-powered vehicles.
Cabinet spokesperson Counselor Mohamed El-Homsany reported that the meeting included a detailed review of plans to convert 1.5 million vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG). The report also explored potential incentives to encourage citizen participation and outlined the technical and logistical steps required for the conversion process.
One key highlight of the initiative is its potential to cut diesel consumption by 50%, significantly reducing the nation’s reliance on subsidized petroleum products. Officials revealed plans for a unified online platform, currently in its trial phase, where citizens can register for the program. Applications will also be accepted at customer service centers affiliated with participating companies.
Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk noted that the initiative will not only offer an economical alternative to gasoline and diesel but also contribute to environmental sustainability. By switching to CNG, Egypt is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 1.5 million tons annually, leading to improved air quality and a healthier environment.
This initiative represents a major step forward in Egypt’s transition to cleaner energy sources and reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable development and financial reform.
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