Egypt curbs Cairo nightlife to ease rising energy costs

Egypt is tightening energy use in Cairo, dimming its nightlife as rising fuel costs and regional tensions strain public finances and the power grid.

Authorities have ordered earlier business closures and reduced street lighting, a notable shift for a city known for its late-night pace. 

The move reflects growing pressure on Africa’s third-largest economy as higher global energy prices push up import costs.

Egypt still depends on imported fuel despite domestic production, leaving it exposed when supply is disrupted. 

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the country’s energy import bill has more than doubled since the conflict began.

In response, the government has raised fuel prices, increased public transport fares and slowed some state projects to contain spending while keeping the lights on. 

Across Cairo, the changes are already clear. Shops that once stayed open well past midnight now shut soon after evening prayers.

Major roads are dimmer, and neighborhoods that used to buzz late into the night are quieter.

Businesses feel the strain 

For many small businesses, the shift is taking a toll.

In Maadi, café owner Sayed Zaama says customer numbers have dropped, with seats empty by 9 p.m. instead of filling up late into the night. 

The shorter hours mean lower daily sales and tighter schedules for workers.

Some businesses are rotating staff or cutting shifts, even as rent, utilities and taxes remain unchanged. 

The wider economy adds to the pressure. Inflation is still above 13%, and electricity demand is rising by about 7% a year, according to Energy Minister Mahmoud Essmat.

Households account for the largest share of usage, making them central to conservation efforts.

Night economy slows 

Gyms, cinemas and event venues are also seeing fewer customers, as many people finish work in the evening and now have less time to go out.

Some retailers say daily revenue has fallen by as much as half. 

Still, not everyone sees only the downside. A few business owners say earlier closing times could help reduce electricity bills and give workers more time at home.

Others expect the changes to pass once energy costs ease.

Tourism in focus 

The government is also watching tourism, a key source of foreign currency.

While tourist areas have largely avoided strict limits, officials say bookings have slowed slightly amid regional uncertainty. 

Tourism revenue has climbed in recent years, reaching $17.1 billion in 2025/26 from $10.7 billion in 2021/22, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Longer term, officials expect further growth, but a quieter Cairo could weigh on the city’s appeal if restrictions last. 

For now, Egypt is trying to manage rising costs without stalling the economy, a balance many countries are facing as energy prices remain high.