Curfew in Egypt from 9 PM as a remedy for the oil shortage

Egypt is facing a severe energy crisis due to the current US-Israeli-Iranian conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has led to a surge in global fuel prices. In response, the government has taken steps to impose a 9:00 PM curfew for commercial establishments. According to this emergency energy-saving program announced by Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, these rules will be implemented for a period of one month starting from Saturday, March 28. All retail stores, shopping malls, restaurants, and cafes in major cities, including Cairo, must close by 9:00 PM on weekdays, and by 10:00 PM on weekends. The decision is driven by Egypt's energy import bill doubling to $2.5 billion monthly as crude oil prices exceeded $112 per barrel. Additional measures include dimming streetlights, closing government offices at 6:00 PM, and implementing a work-from-home system for non-essential employees on Sundays starting April 5, 2026.