Egypt raises electricity prices for higher and commercial consumption brackets
The Egyptian Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy announced that the current severe and unprecedented global energy resource crisis due to the ongoing war in the Arabian Gulf region has necessitated the ministry’s decision to increase electricity prices for certain commercial and residential consumption brackets, effective this April. The ministry explained that this category constitutes approximately 40 percent of all subscribers, with 86 percent of them exempt from the price increase. The statement further clarified that the price increase is limited to higher consumption brackets, which include the most affluent segments of the population. The ministry has fixed electricity prices for all consumption brackets up to 2000 kilowatt-hours per month, with price increases for this bracket and higher consumption brackets averaging only 16 percent. The ministry has decided to increase commercial electricity prices across all brackets by an average of approximately 20 percent.
Source:Egypt Independent
April 05, 2026 15:09 UTC
Pope Tawadros II presides over Palm Sunday Mass
Across the country, squares and areas surrounding churches saw a significant increase in the purchase of palm frond products. City streets were adorned with various palm frond decorations, coinciding with the Coptic celebrations of Palm Sunday. Palm frond vendors spread throughout the governorates, offering a variety of palm frond shapes, including crosses, crowns, hearts, and candles, as well as wheat stalks. One palm frond vendor in the Miami district of Alexandria said that celebrating this day is an annual occasion eagerly awaited by everyone, bringing joy to both the young and old. Another vendor near the Cathedral of the Archangel in Assiut said that he makes sure to be in the same spot every year to sell palm fronds and various other items.
Source:Egypt Independent
April 05, 2026 15:00 UTC
Egyptian police in Minya arrest man possessing hundreds of antiquities
The Tourism and Antiquities Police in Minya arrested a suspect on Saturday in possession of 277 artifacts intended for sale after he acquired them illegally through unauthorized excavations. Investigations conducted by the tourism and antiquities sectors and the public security services revealed that the suspect, a resident of the Deir-Mawas area, possessed antiquities for the purpose of trafficking, using his residence as a base for his criminal activities. The house was raided, and the suspect was apprehended with the various antiquities in his possession. He confessed to security officials that he had obtained the seized artifacts through illegally digging for antiquities in a mountainous area within the Mallawy district of Minya Governorate. Egyptian security services tirelessly work to combat the illegal possession and trading of antiquities in order to preserve the country’s national heritage.
Source:Egypt Independent
April 05, 2026 15:00 UTC
Iran strikes Dimona, Beersheba and Tel Aviv with heavy missiles
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced early Saturday that it had launched the 94th wave of Operation “True Promise IV,” targeting Israeli military and industrial sites deep within occupied Palestinian territories. This coincided with developments on the ground involving Iranian nuclear facilities, international warnings about the dangers of escalation, and the expansion of tensions to include several Gulf states. The Revolutionary Guard explained in an official statement that its attacks targeted points in Dimona, the Negev, Beersheba, Ramat Gan and Tel Aviv, within what it described as a “continuous deep fire tactic.”The strikes were carried out using heavy, multi-warhead ballistic missiles, in addition to suicide drones, it noted. The Revolutionary Guard statement confirmed that the strikes targeted military-industrial centers and locations where Israeli army commanders and units were stationed. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani had previously warned that targeting Iranian nuclear facilities could lead to the complete contamination of the Gulf waters, threatening the lives of millions in the region.
Source:Egypt Independent
April 05, 2026 13:13 UTC
As the Iran war drags on, Israeli solidarity comes under strain
As Israelis prepared to mark Passover Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week delivered a defiant wartime address replete with biblical references of ancient Jewish triumphs over their enemies. Trump rebukes his Israeli counterpartAnd Netanyahu’s personal legal drama continued to thread as well. It was a striking instance of a US president rebuking an Israeli president during a war the two countries are fighting together, while forcefully backing its prime minister. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a press conference in Jerusalem on March 19. Netanyahu has repeatedly denied orchestrating Trump’s interventions, though two Israeli sources with direct knowledge told CNN they were coordinated with his inner circle.
Source:Egypt Independent
April 05, 2026 11:19 UTC
Red Sea ports handle 16,000 tons of cargo, 2,224 passengers
Nuweiba Port in South Sinai handled 5,800 tons of cargo and 412 trucks through shuttle voyages operated by four vessels, the media center of the Red Sea Ports Authority said. In a statement issued on Sunday, April 5, 2026, the authority said a total of nine vessels were berthed at its ports, with overall trading volumes reaching 16,000 tons of cargo, 895 trucks and 80 cars. Imports included 5,000 tons of goods, 379 trucks and 68 cars, while exports totaled 11,000 tons, 516 trucks and 12 cars. The authority’s ports also recorded the arrival and departure of 2,224 passengers.
Source:Egypt Independent
April 05, 2026 11:19 UTC
Iran rehabilitates missile sites within hours of strikes, US intelligence says
US intelligence reports indicate that Iran is rehabilitating missile bunkers and silos within hours of being targeted by American and Israeli strikes, according to the New York Times, casting doubt on military assessments regarding the destruction of Tehran’s missile capabilities. US Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio has identified the degradation of Iran’s missile capability as a primary objective of the war. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has also frequently cited the damage inflicted by US and Israeli strikes and a noted decline in Iranian missile attacks. “It is noteworthy that the last 24 hours saw the lowest number of missiles and drones launched by Iran. An earlier report by CNN, which officials said aligns with intelligence ranges, suggested Iran retains half of its missile launchers.
Source:Daily News Egypt
April 04, 2026 18:04 UTC
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard imposes yuan-based tolls for Strait of Hormuz transit: Bloomberg
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) has begun imposing a formal toll system on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, charging fees in Chinese yuan and requiring ships to fly the flags of “friendly” nations to avoid attack, Bloomberg reported, citing shipping industry sources and government officials. Payments for the transit are being demanded in Chinese yuan or stablecoins, digital currencies pegged to major fiat assets, sources told Bloomberg on condition of anonymity. The offer, facilitated by the Pakistani government, was contingent on the vessel re-registering and flying the Pakistani flag. Internal discussions indicate that Islamabad has contacted major global commodity traders to secure vessels that could temporarily fly the Pakistani flag to transit the Strait. Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported that the National Security Committee has already approved a draft law to formalise these transit fees.
Source:Daily News Egypt
April 04, 2026 17:47 UTC
Trump proposes $1.5trn military budget for 2027 with massive agency cuts
The budget proposal serves as a policy blueprint aimed at overhauling federal government operations, boosting investment in artificial intelligence (AI), and modernising military technology. The $1.5trn defence request includes a 5 to 7% pay rise for military personnel, depending on rank. This includes cuts exceeding 50% for the Small Business Administration, the National Science Foundation, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The administration also plans to cut the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) budget by $52m to initiate the privatisation of the agency. In contrast, the administration proposed a $10.5bn increase for federal Pell Grants to support low-income students.
Source:Daily News Egypt
April 04, 2026 17:46 UTC
Madbouly tours Benha Investment Zone to drive industrial growth, boost exports
Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly conducted an extensive inspection tour on Saturday of several industrial facilities in the Benha Investment Zone, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to support local investment, enhance industrial production, and expand exports. He noted that the Benha Investment Zone was originally established to support economic and social development, attract both domestic and foreign investment, and create employment opportunities. The Benha Investment Zone spans more than 46 feddans and includes 60 industrial projects, generating over 2,800 direct and indirect job opportunities. Madbouly stressed that food processing remains a key pillar of Egypt’s industrial strategy, given its potential to generate employment and add value to agricultural products. The success of the Benha Investment Zone underscores the effectiveness of Egypt’s strategy to develop integrated industrial clusters that combine production, logistics, and services.
Source:Daily News Egypt
April 04, 2026 17:33 UTC
Western airlines seize market share as Iran war disrupts Middle East aviation hubs
Western airlines are redeploying aircraft to Asia and North America to capture market share from Middle Eastern competitors as the war in Iran disrupts regional flight paths and grounds regional fleets. These airlines redirected aircraft to destinations including India, Thailand, and Singapore last month to attract passengers seeking alternative routes. Analysis by Bloomberg of Flightradar24 data across 21 major airlines shows that United Airlines and Delta Air Lines increased their long-haul wide-body capacity by 11% and 12%, respectively. “Gulf airlines will not abandon their ambitions to be global hubs,” said Rob Walker, an aviation analyst at consultancy ICF. “European airlines may only have a short window to benefit from increased demand and higher prices,” Evans said
Source:Daily News Egypt
April 04, 2026 17:33 UTC
IDA launches 414 ready-to-operate industrial units across 11 governorates
Industrial Development Authority (IDA) has announced the launch of 414 fully equipped industrial units for immediate delivery across 12 industrial complexes in 11 governorates, as part of the Ministry of Industry’s strategy to localise manufacturing and strengthen domestic supply chains. The offering will be available for online application via the Egypt Digital Industrial Platform from 5 to 19 April 2026, according to Nahed Youssef, Chairperson of the IDA. Youssef said the units range in size from 48 sqm to 792 sqm, offering flexible options for small investors and entrepreneurs seeking ready-to-operate industrial spaces with minimal start-up requirements. In addition, investors will benefit from technical and marketing support aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and expanding market reach. She added that the industrial complexes are designed to achieve more balanced industrial development across regions, while fostering integration between small and large manufacturers, ultimately strengthening domestic supply chains and reducing reliance on imports.
Source:Daily News Egypt
April 04, 2026 17:33 UTC
Military Production Minister explores defence industry cooperation with Junghans, Thales Egypt
Salah Gamblat, Minister of State for Military Production, held talks with Luc Mestrallet, Chairperson of Junghans, and Sherif Barakat, CEO of Thales Egypt, to discuss prospects for joint cooperation in the defence industries sector. The meeting explored opportunities for joint manufacturing with Junghans by leveraging the technological, manufacturing and technical capabilities of military production companies and affiliated units, particularly the Abu Zaabal Company for Specialised Industries. The facility is regarded as one of the most advanced military industrial complexes, specialising in the production of detonators used in various types of ammunition, as well as components for ammunition of different calibres. He stressed that the ministry’s core mandate remains meeting the needs of the armed forces in terms of ammunition, weapons and military equipment. For his part, Mestrallet expressed Junghans’ keenness to strengthen its partnership with the Ministry of Military Production, noting growing French interest in expanding cooperation with the sector during the current period.
Source:Daily News Egypt
April 04, 2026 17:33 UTC
Finance Minister prioritises development financing, curbs commercial borrowing
He added that efforts are underway to diversify financing sources, instruments and markets, with a particular focus on development financing and the domestic market, alongside a gradual reduction in reliance on commercial borrowing. Kouchouk said the government aims for the 2026/2027 fiscal year budget to be both balanced and flexible, incorporating sufficient reserves to absorb potential risks. He also stressed the importance of securing essential goods for citizens and ensuring the availability of production inputs for investors. He said that broadening the tax base would enable more effective spending on services for citizens and investors. Individuals will be exempt from real estate transaction tax when selling property to first-degree relatives, he added.
Source:Daily News Egypt
April 04, 2026 17:33 UTC
Trump gives Iran 48-hour ultimatum as fighting intensifies, ceasefire hopes fade
Air raid sirens sounded across wide areas of northern Israel, including Haifa, Acre, Safed and the Krayot area, following an Iranian missile barrage, the Israeli military said. In another development, the Revolutionary Guards said Iranian air defences had intercepted a cruise missile carrying a 454kg warhead over Markazi province in central Iran. Iranian media circulated images they said showed the missile’s wreckage. Iranian media also reported strikes on a cement factory in southern Iran. A spokesman for Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters said Israeli embassies in the region would become legitimate targets if Iranian missions were attacked.
Source:Daily News Egypt
April 04, 2026 17:25 UTC