Egypt has imposed emergency energy-saving measures as fuel prices surge due to the US and Israeli war against Iran. Retailers in Cairo must close at 9pm five days a week, illuminated billboards will be switched off, and infrastructure projects using diesel are being delayed. The country's monthly natural gas import bill has tripled to $1.65 billion as the conflict disrupts supply routes.

Egypt's fragile finances face a double blow from soaring gas prices and investor outflows of $8 billion from local debt markets. The Egyptian pound has dropped 10% against the dollar, hitting a record low of 52 pounds to the dollar. The government has increased subsidized fuel prices by 12-22% and may ask people to work from home one or two days weekly to conserve energy.

Analysts believe Egypt will avoid a repeat of its 2022 currency crisis thanks to flexible exchange rates. Foreign currency reserves could cover a $6.5 billion funding gap. Tourism remains largely unaffected with tourist areas exempt from energy-saving measures, though new bookings show hesitation amid security concerns.