The Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum has announced a major natural gas discovery in the Badr-15 area of the Western Desert, reinforcing the country’s position as one of Africa’s leading energy producers.
The new well, known as BED 15-31, was drilled by the Badr El-Din Petroleum Company (BAPETCO), a joint venture between the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and Shell. According to initial reports, the well is producing an estimated 16 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, along with approximately 750 barrels of condensate.
Preliminary studies suggest the discovery could add up to 15 billion cubic feet of natural gas to Egypt’s proven reserves. The Ministry of Petroleum stated that technical teams are now conducting further assessments to determine the full extent of the reservoir and identify additional drilling prospects in the region.
Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Tarek El Molla, described the find as another milestone in Egypt’s long-term strategy to boost domestic production, strengthen energy security, and enhance export potential. “This discovery reflects the growing success of exploration operations in the Western Desert and our ongoing collaboration with international partners,” he said.
The Badr-15 discovery is expected to support Egypt’s goal of becoming a regional energy hub, supplying both domestic industries and neighboring markets. It also comes amid renewed global interest in Africa’s natural gas sector, as countries seek to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on traditional suppliers.
Industry experts note that the find will further attract investment into Egypt’s upstream sector, create job opportunities, and support the country’s broader economic recovery efforts.