Hot-smelling Egypt has officially declared a power-saving regime in an attempt to force Egyptians to conserve resources and export “surplus” gas to cover a giant foreign debt. Previously, calls from the authorities not to waste electricity produced on blue fuel did not bear fruit, despite the high cost of each kilowatt. Now the Prime Minister of Egypt, Mustafa Madbouly, announced the government’s plan to rationalize electricity consumption. Details about how this will affect tourists were reported by an ex-pat who lives in the country of pyramids and pharaohs in her blog
“This forced measure is introduced to facilitate Egypt’s adaptation to the global crisis in the world, which affects the country of the pyramids as well. By reducing electricity consumption across the country, the Egyptian government hopes to save gas costs and export an additional 15% of the gas currently allocated to national power plants. President Sisi recently spoke about his willingness to send gas to Europe. Thus, gas surpluses will be converted into currency. Egypt’s foreign debt is huge and needs to be repaid,” the author explained.
Let’s note the main points:
- The staff is obliged everywhere to ensure that “excess” lights are not on and to completely turn off the electricity after the official working day.
- The lights in the mosques will be dimmed during the Isha (evening) prayer.
- All public places in Egypt, including tourist ones, will be plunged into darkness: youth centers, indoor halls, clubs, stadiums, etc.
- Events are recommended to be held during the day to avoid electricity consumption.
- Temperature limitation of air conditioners in shopping centers is introduced.
- Illumination on all streets and city squares is reduced at night.
“Several regions have already started implementing the instructions received from the Cabinet of Ministers. Luxor’s Nile Corniche and tourist avenue dimmed the lights, leaving only the main lampposts alive. The lighting of the ancient temples of the pharaohs on the eastern and western shores is turned off,” the blogger added.
Against the background of the new decree, tourism experts urged travelers to be careful at night, as tourist streets will not be fully illuminated.
Earlier, DIP wrote that “in Hurghada, “dangerous and deadly” fun“.