Egypt: Few Options Out of a Natural Gas Dilemma

A rising demand for natural gas in Egypt is threatening the country's already delicate political and economic situation. Currently a net exporter of natural gas, Egypt may soon have to begin importing the commodity to offset its stagnating domestic production. It is not a matter of depleting resources; Egypt's natural gas reserves are not about to disappear imminently. But the country may not be able to produce what resources it has to adequately meet domestic demand and honor its export contracts. Whatever the government decides, meeting the public's growing energy demands will be essential, albeit difficult, given Egypt's economic woes, for ensuring economic and social stability.