Weekend Briefing: Top 10 News Highlights You Might Have Missed

Updated 3/13/2026 9:00:00 AM

Arab Finance: The second week of March saw a series of developments that continue to shape Egypt’s economic landscape, most notably the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources' decision to adjust fuel prices amid the exceptional conditions currently affecting global energy markets.

Here is a roundup of the week’s key economic developments.

1-Egypt raises fuel prices amid global energy market tensions

The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources has decided to adjust prices of some petroleum products and compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles amid the recent exceptional conditions the global energy market faces.

2-Egypt’s annual core inflation hits 12.7% in February: CBE

Egypt's annual core consumer price index (CPI) inflation hit 12.7% in February 2026, compared to 11.2% in January.

3-Egypt confirms subsidized bread price unchanged despite higher diesel prices

Minister of Supply and Internal Trade Sherif Farouk confirmed that the price of subsidized bread will not be affected by the recent hike in diesel prices, remaining unchanged at EGP 0.20 per loaf.

4-Egypt’s auto sales increase 39% YoY in January 2026

Auto sales in Egypt grew by nearly 39% year-on-year (YoY) in January 2026, reaching 14,100 vehicles.

5-Madbouly reviews initial estimates for FY2026/27 draft budget

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly held talks with Minister of Finance Ahmed Kouchouk to review the initial estimates for the fiscal year (FY) 2026/2027 draft budget.

6-El-Sisi names Islam Azzam as FRA Chairman

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has issued presidential decree No.116 of 2026, appointing Islam Azzam as the acting Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA).

7-EgyptAir gradually resumes UAE routes amid regional security concerns

EgyptAir announced the gradual resumption of selected flights to the UAE, starting March 9th.

8-Egypt, TotalEnergies review progress on Cronos gas field connection project

Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi and TotalEnergies followed up on the latest updates regarding the connection of the Cronos gas field to the Egyptian infrastructure, in partnership with Eni.

9-Beltone Holding plans to launch silver investment fund in Q2 2026

Beltone Holding (BTFH) is planning to launch a new investment fund specializing in silver during the second quarter (Q2) of 2026.

10-SUMED ships 50M tons of crude oil in 2025: Chairman

Arab Petroleum Pipelines Company (SUMED) successfully transported approximately 50 million tons of crude oil, equivalent to 365 million barrels, during 2025.