Egypt has increased domestic fuel prices by up to 30 percent, citing “exceptional” pressures in global energy markets linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted oil supplies and maritime shipping routes.

The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources announced the adjustments on Tuesday, March 10, affecting gasoline, diesel, and vehicle natural gas. In an official statement, the ministry said the price changes were driven by global supply chain disruptions, heightened geopolitical risks, and rising shipping and insurance costs, which have pushed petroleum product prices to levels not seen in years.

The recent volatility in global oil markets has been influenced by tensions involving Israel, Iran, and the United States. Crude oil prices briefly surged above $119 per barrel before dropping to around $84, following comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting a possible imminent resolution to the conflict.

Under the new pricing structure: Diesel, one of the most widely used fuels in Egypt, rose 17.1 percent to 20.50 EGP per litre, from 17.50 EGP, 80-octane gasoline increased 16.9 percent to 20.75 EGP per litre92-octane gasoline climbed 15.6 percent to 22.25 EGP per litre.

95-octane gasoline went up 14.3 percent to 24 EGP per litre.

Natural gas for vehicles recorded the largest increase, rising 30 percent to 13 EGP per cubic metre.

Egypt has raised fuel prices four times over the past two years as part of economic reforms tied to an $8 billion loan programme with the International Monetary Fund. A previous increase of up to 13 percent in October had been expected to mark the final adjustment under the programme.

The government emphasized that these changes reflect global energy pressures rather than domestic economic conditions, signaling ongoing challenges for consumers and businesses amid rising international fuel costs.