Egypt has commenced crude oil production from the Belayim Offshore 133 well in the Sinai fields, with an initial output of approximately 1,500 barrels per day, according to a statement by the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources.
The well was drilled and brought online by Petrobel, a joint venture between the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) and Italy’s Eni. The development represents the first tangible outcome of Eni’s new investment programme covering the Gulf of Suez, Sinai, and Nile Delta regions.
The ministry indicated that initial production indicators are encouraging, highlighting the remaining potential within the Belayim Marine field. The start-up forms part of broader efforts to accelerate upstream activity, stabilise domestic crude supply, and reduce Egypt’s import bill.
Operational continuity is already underway, with the Trident 16 rig preparing to drill a second well, Belayim Offshore 131, as part of the approved development plan.
The production launch aligns with Cairo’s policy focus on maximising output from mature fields through renewed capital expenditure and enhanced recovery strategies. Minister of Petroleum Karim Badawi had previously monitored drilling operations aboard the rig prior to year-end, underscoring the project’s strategic importance.
While the initial output remains modest relative to national production levels, the well signals renewed momentum in the Gulf of Suez basin and reflects continued cooperation between EGPC and international operators.
