Egyptian authorities have intensified enforcement of new commercial closing hours, issuing nearly 800 violations in a single day as part of a nationwide effort to reduce electricity consumption.
According to the Ministry of Interior, police issued 768 citations to businesses that remained open past the mandated cutoff time during intensified patrols across multiple governorates. The crackdown, which included inspections in Alexandria’s neighborhoods and commercial districts in Asyut, targeted establishments violating energy-saving regulations introduced by the Cabinet.
In Alexandria, security forces closed 15 noncompliant businesses and detained 175 individuals for violating public order during the enforcement campaigns. Meanwhile, in Asyut, the governor confirmed that daily inspection teams had sealed 37 businesses found operating illegally after hours as part of ongoing market monitoring efforts.
The measures follow a government directive to adjust business operating hours to ease strain on the national power grid, particularly during peak demand periods. Officials said the initiative aims to promote energy conservation while ensuring public safety and regulatory compliance.
Authorities emphasized that the enforcement actions are ongoing and will continue until full adherence to the new schedule is achieved across all regions.
