Egypt has launched a nationwide initiative to reduce the prices of essential goods, with the program set to run for six months as part of efforts to increase supply and ease pressure on household budgets.
The Ministry of Supply and Internal Trade began the first phase of the initiative on September 10, offering 12 basic commodities at reduced prices before expanding the list to 30 products by the end of September. The program will continue through March 2027, including the Ramadan period.
30 Essential Goods Included in the Initiative
The first phase covers everyday products including sugar, rice, cooking oil, pasta, flour, tea, tomato paste, white cheese, halva and jam.
Among the announced prices are:
- 1 kg of packaged white sugar for EGP 25
- 700 ml of blended cooking oil for EGP 50
- 350 g of pasta for EGP 9
- 1 kg of packaged rice for EGP 25
- 1 kg of flour for EGP 20
- 300 g of tomato paste for EGP 14
A further 18 products are being added during September, including tuna, milk, beans, lentils, vinegar, ghee, biscuits, detergent, soap and dishwashing liquid.
Where Are the Discounted Goods Available?
The initiative initially launched through around 284 outlets nationwide.
Participating locations include consumer complexes operated by the Holding Company for Food Industries, selected “Gamety” outlets, ration dealers and other participating retailers. Major private supermarket chains are also being encouraged to join the program.
The Ministry of Supply plans to gradually expand the number of participating outlets, particularly in areas with higher demand.
Initiative to Run Until March 2027
Unlike shorter seasonal discount campaigns, the government says the new initiative is designed to remain in place for six months.
Running from September 2026 through March 2027 means the program will also cover Ramadan, when household demand for food and essential goods traditionally rises.
The ministry says the longer duration is intended to increase the availability of products and support greater stability in retail prices rather than provide only temporary discounts.
Egypt Expands Market Monitoring
The price-cut initiative is also being accompanied by increased market monitoring.
The Ministry of Supply is expanding the use of digital tools including the “Price Radar,” which tracks changes in commodity prices, as well as an electronic “Inspector Card” used to document inspection visits.
Authorities are also using geographic information systems to map retail outlets and identify areas where additional supply points may be needed.
Government Aims to Increase Supply and Stabilize Prices
The initiative forms part of a wider government strategy focused on increasing the amount of essential goods available in the market, expanding retail coverage and reducing unnecessary intermediary costs between producers and consumers.
The Ministry of Supply has said participating companies will continue monitoring stock levels and replenishing products based on demand to keep discounted goods available throughout the initiative.
With the list expanding to 30 products and more retailers expected to participate, the six-month program is set to become one of Egypt’s main consumer price-support measures through early 2027.
