The economic fallout from the Iran war has cast a shadow over Egypt’s new state budget, Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk told parliament on Wednesday, as he presented the draft before it was referred to specialized committees for discussion, with the government pledging swift amendments “to enhance its ability to deal with current and potential risks.”
Kouchouk’s statement came a day after Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly addressed the House of Representatives, focusing on the damage caused by the conflict and ways to manage its repercussions.
He said the government was treating the current regional escalation as a “prolonged crisis,” whose end is difficult to predict given the complexity and overlap of regional and international dynamics, and suggested its economic effects could last through the end of the year.
During the presentation of the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget, 600 billion Egyptian pounds ($11.5 billion) were allocated for energy subsidies, including electricity support, which rose by 39%, according to the finance minister.
A total of 832.3 billion pounds was earmarked for social protection - a 12% annual increase - to support the most vulnerable groups, alongside 90 billion pounds set aside for programs to support economic activity. (The dollar is equivalent to about 52 Egyptian pounds.)
The minister said spending priorities focus on healthcare, education, social protection, and support for production and exports, alongside flexible precautionary policies to address potential challenges and strike a balance between fiscal discipline and economic stimulus. He pointed to “uncertainty in markets and disruptions in trade and supply chains,” describing them as “major challenges and pressures on economies, especially emerging markets.”
Data presented to lawmakers also indicated a 3% reduction in fuel consumption and a 15% cut in electricity and lighting use in response to recent developments. Regarding national projects, the government decided to postpone or slow the implementation of “slow-moving” or fuel-intensive projects on an exceptional basis for three months, renewable if needed.
According to the minister, the government has also decided to limit spending in the final quarter of the current fiscal year to essential expenditures only, including wages, salaries, pensions, and the needs of the health, electricity and petroleum sectors.
Egypt’s budget has been affected by rising costs of securing energy supplies, prompting the government to increase subsidy allocations in the new budget while relying on consumption rationalization and hedging against future developments in the conflict, said economist Mohieddin Abdel Salam. He noted that Egypt has been significantly impacted by rising oil and gas prices.
Figures presented by the finance minister showed the government has mobilized about 135.6 billion pounds since early March to ensure the stability of vital sectors. This includes 90.6 billion pounds for the energy sector, 30 billion pounds to secure essential commodities, subsidized goods, wheat and sugar, and 15 billion pounds to support the healthcare sector and provide medicines.
Abdel Salam told Asharq Al-Awsat that uncertainty remains over Egypt’s ability to attract foreign investment, as some investors are wary of committing funds in the region due to war-related risks. However, he said Egypt could still benefit from opportunities if it manages to distance itself from ongoing tensions.
He noted that these conditions have led to tighter fiscal policies, reflected in holding interest rates steady rather than cutting them, as well as austerity measures and reduced spending by government institutions.
This can be seen in the new budget, he added, which focuses on vital sectors and strengthening social support, particularly amid declining revenues from the Suez Canal and tourism, and potential impacts on remittances from Egyptians abroad.
