Cypriot officials say they could be in a position to start extracting gas from Kronos in 2027 or 2028.
Last year, Egypt and Cyprus signed agreements enabling the export of gas from Cyprus’s offshore fields to Egypt for liquefaction and re-export to Europe, as both countries seek to bolster the Eastern Mediterranean’s role as an energy hub.
Egypt is suffering the spillover from the Iran war, particularly in the energy sector, as it depends on imported fuel. Costs have ballooned with the disruption of oil and gas production and trade across the Middle East.
The government has already raised fuel prices and the price of public transport, announced a work-from-home policy, and ordered most malls, shops, and eateries to close down by 9 p.m. five days a week.