Egypt imposes business curfew to counter soaring fuel costs

Egypt has ordered shops, restaurants, and shopping malls to close at 9:00 pm on Saturdays in an effort to reduce fuel consumption amid soaring energy costs. The country's fuel prices have more than doubled as a result of the Iran war, straining both businesses and households. The curfew is the government's attempt to cushion the economic impact of these energy shocks on an already-stressed economy. The measure underscores Egypt's vulnerability to regional geopolitical crises and reflects the broader strain that energy price spikes place on Middle Eastern nations dependent on fuel imports. The policy may reduce fuel demand but could also disrupt commerce and consumer activity during a critical weekend period.