Egypt's Nightlife Curfew Amid Iran War

0:00Egypt's government just dropped a big change to save on oil-powered electricity amid the U.S. and Israel war with Iran. They're ordering stores, restaurants, and cafes nationwide to close by 9 pm for the next month. This hits hard in Cairo, known for its all-night vibe, but tourist spots like Hurgada and Luxor get a pass to keep dollars flowing. The war kicked off February 28 with airstrikes, and Iran's pushbacks spiked global oil prices while messing with shipping through the strait of horror moves. Egypt feels a deep, importing 28% of its gasoline and 45% of diesel. Their oil bill doubled to $2.5 billion since January. Business owners are reeling. One cafe boss in Cairo slashes 35% staff by 40% after losing those prime late night hours. Folks on social media are venting with sarcasm, joking about no more shisha sessions, and begging for midnight extensions to save jobs.

1:01Meanwhile, other moves include dimming street lights and ads, shutting government offices by 6 pm in the new capital, and pushing civil servants to, work from home one day a week in April. Prime Minister Mustafa Madbulli calls these exceptional steps to cut oil use. All this protects everyday livelihoods from even steeper price hikes, but it's reshaping Egypt's bustling night scene for over 108 million people who rely on round the clock spots. Canada News Today, powered by AI, bringing you what matters.