'Not the Cairo we know': Energy shock from Iran war dims Egypt nightsCAIRO, April 6, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - At a roadside cafe in downtown Cairo, Abu Ali was mid domino throw when the lights snapped off under new early-closing orders enacted to curb Egypt's soaring energy bill due to the US-Israel war on Iran. "I used to stay here until 2:00 am," the 63-year-old told AFP, tapping his tiles as the street went dark. "Millions of small businesses depend on evening foot traffic," economist Wael el-Nahas told AFP. "Most box-office income comes from 9:00 pm and midnight screenings," he told AFP. "Tourists, especially Arabs, feed off the city's energy," a tourism official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha April 06, 2026 09:28 UTC