Goodnight, Cairo

Egyptians are about to celebrate Sham al-Nessim, an annual festival welcoming the brightness of spring. But the lights of Cairo have gone dark as the war with Iran sends shockwaves through energy markets. Amid rising food costs and power rationing, Egypt faces a growing crisis. 

As of March 28, Cairo’s nighttime social and economic life must adapt to the early closure of shops, restaurants, cafes, and malls. The government announced these businesses must close starting at 9pm on weekdays and 10pm on weekends for at least one month. This measure follows Egypt’s recent raising of fuel prices in response to soaring energy costs since the war with Iran began. Egypt reports paying nearly triple for natural gas, and its reliance on facilities in Israel that have suspended operations means import costs are unlikely to level soon. Beyond the fuel price hike’s immediate impact on commercial drivers and commuters, the austerity measures also significantly reduce street lighting that is critical for nighttime commutes. 

Small businesses—the backbone of Egypt’s robust informal economy—are being hit first and hardest by the early closures. Shop and cafe owners and their employees depend on revenue earned late into the night. Similar measures implemented in July 2024 inflamed public anger at the disproportionate strain imposed across poorer areas. The longer that the war with Iran keeps energy costs high, the more likely that these early closures will be extended. 

Even international corporations operating in Egypt will feel the pressure. Malls and affluent residential areas previously relied on generators to circumvent daily load-shedding blackouts experienced across the country in 2023 and 2024. This time, the government is not cutting power but monitoring that lights are out—rendering generators useless.  

Tourist hotels and attractions are exempt from early closures, for now. The broader Egyptian economy will confront difficult adjustments until the lights come back on.