Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi recently inspected the Arab Petroleum Pipelines Company (SUMED) facilities at Ain Sokhna port, including the main control unit, marine piers, imported natural gas facilities, gasification ship, and diesel reception. Badawi emphasized that this visit is part of the government's initiative to end the period of electrical load reductions, which has received necessary financial backing.

He noted that the port's infrastructure is crucial for the petroleum sector’s plans to stabilize and secure fuel supplies to the local market. Ain Sokhna port plays a vital role in Arab economic integration, leveraging its strategic location between the oil-producing regions of the Arabian Gulf and Egypt, facilitating transportation to the Mediterranean and global markets through pipelines. This integration significantly reduces transportation time and shipping costs per ton while enhancing operational flexibility, thanks to the continuous collaboration between SUMED and the Suez Canal.

Badawi commended the employees for their efforts and assured them of the Ministry's full support. He also stressed the importance of adhering to occupational safety, health standards, and environmental protection protocols.

During a presentation on the SUMED Petroleum Zone, Mohamed Abdelhafez, Chairman and Managing Director of SUMED, highlighted the company's fifty-year heritage since its establishment in 1974. SUMED has transported 3.5 billion tons of crude oil and over 100 million tons of petroleum products. The company plays a strategic role in securing Egypt’s supply of crude oil, petroleum products, and natural gas. With backing from its shareholders—Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar—SUMED has continuously developed, increasing its capacity from 40 million tons annually in 1974 to 117 million tons currently.