Egypt’s government raised fuel prices by at least 30% on Tuesday, March 9, 2026, in response to rising global oil prices driven by disruptions in the Middle East.
The price increases, impacting gasoline, diesel, and natural gas, follow four reductions in fuel subsidies over the past two years, according to reports. Businesses are now bracing for the impact of the fresh measures on operating costs.
‘’The prices are high because vendors employ trucks to transport vegetables from wholesalers, which increases costs. Today, the cost of transporting vegetables has risen from 2,500 Egyptian pounds to 3,000-4,000 Egyptian pounds,’’ explained El-Sayed Mohamed, a truck driver.
Inflation reached 13.4% last month, a significant decrease from a peak of 40% in August 2024 during the country’s economic crisis. However, citizens are concerned about a potential resurgence in inflationary pressures.
”Prices have increased since yesterday; the price of a kilogram of cucumbers has risen to 40 pounds [compared to 15-20 Egyptian pounds previously], as have tomatoes and other basic commodities,” said Nada Hamed, an Egyptian citizen. The price hikes underscore the sensitivity of the Egyptian economy to global energy market fluctuations.
The Egyptian government has warned against attempts to exploit the situation, stating that offenders may be prosecuted in military courts. Authorities similarly announced on Tuesday plans to reprioritize public spending.
