CAIRO, May 12 (MENA) - Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said that the government’s initiative to convert vehicles to operate on natural gas is a top priority, in line with President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s directives to expand the conversion and replacement of cars with gas-powered alternatives. This move is part of the state's efforts to promote the use of clean and renewable energy sources and to meet critical environmental standards.

The statement was made during a meeting on Monday to follow up on the government's efforts in this area. The meeting was attended by Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt Essam Omar, and other officials from the relevant ministries.

Madbouly noted that the initiative offers significant savings and financial returns for participants. He instructed that a set of incentives be developed to encourage citizens to convert their vehicles to run on natural gas. He also stressed the importance of expanding gas fueling services at existing stations, suggesting that procedures be streamlined to facilitate private sector involvement in constructing and operating these stations, in alignment with the government’s broader partnership approach with the private sector.

Cabinet spokesperson Mohamed el Homsany said that the meeting reviewed the projected outcomes of the initiative’s first phase, which aims to convert approximately 220,000 vehicles between 2025 and 2028, starting with 50,000 vehicles in 2025–2026. The expected gas consumption and annual financial savings were presented, with estimates indicating that users could save at least EGP 2,270 per month by switching from gasoline to natural gas.

The meeting also outlined the application process for those interested in joining the initiative. Applications will be submitted through a dedicated digital platform. Once an application is submitted, the vehicle will undergo a technical inspection to ensure its eligibility, followed by approval and contract signing. The state will subsidize part of the conversion cost, while the remaining amount will be paid by the citizen in equal, interest-free installments.(MENA)

S A S/R E E