Egypt's PM revokes industrial electricity discount as of July 1
Egypt - In a significant policy shift, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has issued a decree cancelling the electricity price reduction granted to industrial activities since 2020. The change, effective from 1 July 2025, marks a reassessment of Egypt's approach to industrial energy subsidies.
The now-revoked Decree No. 781 of 2020 had offered a discount of 10 piastres per kilowatt-hour for electricity supplied to industrial consumers using ultra-high, high, and medium-voltage connections—applicable both during peak and off-peak hours. Introduced during a period of economic strain, the measure aimed to support industrial competitiveness and stimulate growth.
The revocation reflects the government's renewed focus on public spending reform and fiscal consolidation, amid mounting financial pressures. The decision follows a legislative review involving the Public Finance Law and the Electricity Law, and was approved by the Cabinet.
The change is expected to affect a broad range of industrial sectors that have benefited from reduced energy costs over the past five years. With energy rates returning to standard levels, companies may be forced to reassess cost structures, production strategies, and pricing models.
No official announcement has been made regarding alternative support for impacted industries. However, the move aligns with the government's broader strategy to transition towards more targeted and economically sustainable subsidy schemes, particularly in response to global energy market fluctuations and rising production costs.
Industrial stakeholders are now watching closely to see whether the government will introduce any mitigating measures ahead of the July implementation deadline.
© 2024 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
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The National
3 hours ago
- The National
Gaza ceasefire talks intensify as Trump suggests a deal may be within reach
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By enhancing transparency and security, Crystal Intelligence aims to keep institutions ahead of evolving crypto threats. Leveraging a team of analysts fluent in many regional languages across the Middle East, North Africa and Asia-Pacific, Crystal Intelligence offers insights that are both globally comprehensive and locally precise. This regional expertise helps clients understand on-the-ground risks and regulatory frameworks, enabling them to operate in complex jurisdictions and effectively mitigate region-specific threats. In this interview, Crysta Intelligencel's lead investigator Andrii Sovershyenni and senior investigator Federico Paesano share key insights into the tricky landscape that crypto businesses must navigate and how to be better prepared against crypto scams and frauds. Cointelegraph: Can you tell us about Crystal Intelligence and its mission in the blockchain and crypto space? 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In the past, scammers used simple tactics to hide their activities. They sent Bitcoin (BTC) through multiple addresses to cash out anonymously via exchanges like BTC-e. However, as regulations became stricter and investigators improved their skills, these basic methods became less effective. The rise of KYC policies and the growing cooperation between centralized exchanges and law enforcement made it much harder for bad actors to cash out without leaving a trace. In response, crypto criminals are changing their tactics. They are using more complex methods that take advantage of new products and services in the blockchain space. Swaps, token bridges and decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols have become the tools of choice for criminals seeking to cover their tracks. Scammers and thieves use these technologies to exchange tokens across different blockchains without going through centralized platforms that require identity checks or interaction with authorities. 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Crystal is highly commended at the 2024 Regulation Asia Awards for Best #Blockchain Analytics & Investigations Solution! 🎉 Discover how we're advancing blockchain #compliance & #frauddetection: — Crystal Intelligence (@CrystalPlatform) November 5, 2024 We can quickly label suspicious addresses and entities. Our intelligence team identifies addresses linked to crimes like theft, scams, and hacks, and categorizes them within minutes. This fast response is very important. For example, if stolen funds are sent to a cryptocurrency exchange to be cashed out or exchanged for other tokens, our advanced monitoring tools alert the exchange's compliance team as soon as the funds arrive. They can then take action against the illegal source of the funds. In some cases, this alert can help slow down the flow of stolen funds and may even stop criminals from accessing or laundering the money further. We have many cases where we have been asked to help with investigations. 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Additionally, you can visit the International Organisation of Security Commissions (IOSCO) to find information on investor protection. They have a list of services that warn about potential issues. Their site also has many valuable free resources for learning about investments, which can help you assess the opportunities you come across. Crystal Intelligence's website provides a wide range of resources for victims of cryptocurrency scams and helps businesses improve their security through education and awareness. Source:

Zawya
21 hours ago
- Zawya
Statement on recent demonstrations, incendiary rhetoric and rumors against United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) affirms its uncompromising respect for the right of all citizens to demonstrate peacefully and to express their views freely. Direct engagement with the Libyan people is a cornerstone of our work, and we are always prepared to meet, engage in discussions and listen to the views of the Libyan people which includes listening to the concerns of peaceful protesters. We have had protests outside our premises on a number of occasions and we receive their petitions as has been the practice with all previous demonstrations and will continue to do so. Recently on Tuesday UNSMIL met with a group of protestors at its premises to listen to their demands and concerns, and we were able to have a mutually respectful discussion. However, UNSMIL is dismayed by statements purportedly from some Libyan political figures that appear to encourage not just demonstrations but going further to actively encourage unlawful actions against UN personnel and property. UNSMIL has always welcomed constructive criticism; however, incitement campaigns and rumors being waged against the Mission could also be an indication of an effort to undermine the advancement of any progress toward the development of a political process, which is aimed at the holding of national elections and unified institutions to achieve lasting peace and stability in Libya. We remind all parties of their obligation to maintain the peaceful character of any demonstration, and refrain from actions, and to commit to resolving differences through constructive dialogue. UNSMIL also recalls the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations and the relevant agreement concluded between the United Nations and the Libyan authorities, which guarantee the inviolability of United Nations premises. All parties are urged to respect the inviolability of United Nations premises, its personnel, and its property and assets in accordance with international law. UNSMIL remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting a Libyan-led political process for the benefit of all Libyan people and will continue to monitor all developments closely. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).