Egypt lifts energy-saving measures, ends 11pm shop closures
Egypt lifts energy-saving measures and cancels the 11pm closing order for shops and restaurants, restoring normal operating hours after the Cabinet say the crisis easing.
Egypt’s Cabinet announced on Sunday, April 26, 2026, that it has lifted a set of energy-saving measures introduced last month and will stop enforcing the decision requiring shops, malls and restaurants to close at 11pm. The government said the Central Crisis Committee approved returning to pre-measure operating hours after assessing energy conditions linked to fallout from the conflict in Iran. The move signals an easing of the short-term curbs that had aimed to curb electricity consumption and protect supply.
Cabinet Ends 11pm Closures
The statement from the Council of Ministers confirmed that the rule requiring commercial premises to shut at 11pm — 20:00 GMT — will no longer be in force. The Cabinet said the decision takes effect immediately and businesses may resume normal closing times that were in place before last month’s measures.
Officials framed the rollback as a response to updated assessments by the Central Committee for Crisis Management, which reviewed the measures and determined that the immediate need for mandated early closures had passed. The government emphasized continued vigilance while allowing economic and social life to return to standard hours.
Crisis Committee Decision
The Central Crisis Committee, tasked with managing disruptions to energy supply, convened this week and reviewed the impact of the restrictions on power demand and on the economy. The committee recommended cessation of the 11pm closure order following its evaluation of grid stability and supply projections.
According to the Cabinet’s statement, the committee retains authority to reintroduce measures should conditions deteriorate. The committee’s mandate includes ongoing monitoring of fuel and electricity supplies and coordination with relevant ministries and state utilities.
Scope and Rollback Details
The lifted requirement had applied to public shops, commercial centers and restaurants across the country, restricting operations during late evening hours. Under the rollback, these establishments will revert to their customary opening and closing times unless they are subject to separate local regulations.
The Cabinet clarified that other energy-saving advisories may remain in place and that private organisations and municipalities can continue voluntary measures tailored to local circumstances. Businesses are advised to comply with standard public-safety and licensing rules as hours return to normal.
Energy Context and Government Rationale
Authorities said the initial restrictions were introduced last month in response to disruptions linked to the conflict in Iran and its consequences for regional fuel flows and energy markets. The measures aimed to reduce peak load and protect the national grid during an uncertain period for fuel supply and electricity generation.
The rollback reflects updated assessments indicating a reduced immediate risk to supply. The Cabinet underlined that national energy agencies and utilities had reported improved short-term stability but warned that global and regional developments will continue to be monitored closely.
Business and Public Reaction
Retailers, hospitality operators and market traders welcomed the announcement as a relief for evening trade and tourism-related activity. Industry groups said the earlier closing requirement had constricted sales during peak hours and increased logistical challenges for food services and entertainment venues.
Consumers and workers who depend on late hours likewise expressed relief at the return to normal schedules, noting impacts on income and access to services when closures were enforced. Economic analysts cautioned that while the rollback should help near-term activity, sustained recovery depends on broader supply and price stability.
Implementation and Monitoring
The Cabinet signalled that enforcement agencies will update directives to local authorities and regulatory bodies to ensure coordinated implementation of the rollback. The Central Crisis Committee will continue collecting data on electricity demand, fuel inventories and regional supply routes to inform any future policy changes.
Officials reiterated that contingency plans remain in place and that any reintroduction of emergency measures would be done with prior notice where possible. The government said it will keep businesses and the public informed of developments to minimise disruption.
The decision to lift the 11pm closure order marks a notable shift in Egypt’s short-term energy policy, allowing businesses and communities to resume normal evening routines while authorities maintain oversight of supply conditions.