Dr. Sherif Farouk, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade, stated that President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s attendance at the food and water security session on the third day of Egypt Forum 2026 gave it significant momentum, emphasizing the state’s commitment to food security as an integral part of national security.
He added that strategic reserves are secure and sufficient for approximately six months for most commodities. This level was achieved through domestic and international efforts, including diversifying import sources and opening new markets away from conflict zones in the Black Sea, such as France, Bulgaria, and other countries.
He noted that coordination between the government and the Mostaqbal Misr Agency helps determine the best purchasing times and secure the most favorable prices, enabling the state to avoid price fluctuations. He also highlighted the successful efforts to increase locally procured wheat to five million tons, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, the Mostaqbal Misr Agency, and suppliers, ensuring that farmers receive a significant portion of their dues.
The minister explained that the availability of strategic reserves has enabled initiatives to provide commodities at affordable prices, including the establishment of more than 280 outlets across 191 districts, offering 30 commodities as part of efforts to maintain food security.
He added that the food security session featured discussions and contributions from members of parliament and opposition representatives. The session concluded with the president directing the Ministry of Supply to study increasing the funds allocated for subsidies, in addition to plans to implement a cash and commodity subsidy system in one governorate currently being selected.
He noted that these directives are part of efforts to develop the subsidy system and improve citizens’ access to their essential needs.
The Minister of Supply also referred to his participation in a session on market regulation and the development of the social protection system, which reviewed the outcomes of a previous workshop attended by several ministers, the head of the Federation of Egyptian Chambers of Commerce, and other stakeholders.
He explained that subsidy allocations had increased from approximately EGP 38 billion in 2014 to EGP 178 billion, exceeding EGP 200 billion during the current year.
He stressed that this continuous increase reflects the state’s commitment to addressing inflation while developing the cash and commodity subsidy systems in coordination with the Ministry of Social Solidarity and the Takaful and Karama program, ensuring a stronger social safety net and directing the largest possible share of support to eligible beneficiaries.
🖋️Source: Al-Gomhuria Portal
