Former Petroleum Minister: Natural Gas Expansion Curbs Butane Demand; Energy Security Vital Amid Global Conflicts

Eng. Osama Kamal, former Minister of Petroleum and member of the Senate, stated that the expansion of natural gas connections to homes has contributed to reducing reliance on butane (LPG), noting that the number of households benefiting from natural gas has reached approximately 16 to 16.5 million.

During an interview on the "Khat Ahmar" (Red Line) program broadcast on the Al Hadath Al Youm channel, Kamal explained that butane consumption in Egypt has remained steady at around 4.3 million tons annually for nearly 15 years, despite population growth and an increase in the number of households. He considered the stability of consumption rates a reflection of the impact of expanding the use of natural gas as an alternative to butane.

The former petroleum minister pointed out that connecting natural gas to millions of households has helped cover part of the natural increase in energy demand, explaining that the expansion of networks represents a crucial factor in alleviating pressure on butane needs.

Kamal emphasized that continuing the expansion of natural gas connections to homes contributes to diversifying energy sources for Egyptian households and enhances the state's ability to cope with increased consumption, particularly amid population growth and urban expansion.

Shifting to global geopolitics, Eng. Osama Kamal stated that the disruption of energy supplies has become a pressure tool in major wars and conflicts. He noted that targeting oil and gas sources or disrupting supply chains can have a direct impact on countries' economies.

Kamal explained that energy has become a key component of the economic conflict equation, especially when a country targets the energy supplies upon which another nation relies to run its economy and industries. He pointed out that the impact does not stop at fuel shortages but extends to production, prices, and market dynamics.

The former minister noted that China could be significantly affected if the volume of energy it relies on from abroad were to decline, given its status as a major energy consumer. However, he affirmed that Beijing has multiple alternatives and sources it can resort to for securing its needs.

Kamal emphasized that supply disruptions affect not only importing countries but also producers and exporters. He explained that damage to transport pipelines or oil facilities can lead to a decline in export capacity, thereby impacting revenues and economies tied to energy returns.

The former petroleum minister stressed that these developments underscore the importance of energy security and the diversification of supply sources. He highlighted the necessity of possessing alternatives that allow countries to manage the repercussions of wars and crises while maintaining the stability of their oil and gas needs.