The vibrant streets of Cairo have fallen silent as the city grapples with the repercussions of soaring fuel costs stemming from the US — Israel war on Iran. The Egyptian government has implemented a month-long early-closing order for businesses, a move that has left small enterprises in disarray. At a roadside cafe in downtown Cairo, Abu Ali, 63, was in the midst of a domino throw when the lights abruptly went out under the new regulations. “.
I used to stay here until 2:00 am, “he told AFP, his voice tinged with nostalgia as the street plunged into darkness. “Now I’m home by 11 at most, just watching the news. This is not the Cairo we know.”.
The month — long order, put in place last week, requires shops to close at 9:00 pm on weekdays and 10:00 pm on weekends, with an extension to 11:00 pm expected during the Coptic Easter holidays. Thursday nights, once bustling with families and teenagers, now conclude with a final rush of last-minute shopping before the lights dim and shutters descend. Police patrols ensure compliance, leaving only delivery scooters to navigate the darkened streets. “.
This is usually when work starts, “said Ali Haggag, a shopworker standing outside his quiet clothing store. “The city once famed for never sleeping now ‘feels like COVID again,’he added, recalling the 2020 lockdowns that emptied its streets.”Well-to-do Cairenes have sought refuge in Nileside restaurants and international hotels, which are exempt from the order.
However, the informal economy, which accounts for two — thirds of all jobs, is feeling the pinch. Haggag estimates his shop has lost more than half its revenue in just days. Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly has cited Egypt’s heavy reliance on imported fuel, noting that the country’s monthly energy import bill more than doubled between January and March to $2.
5 billion. The government has introduced “exceptional “measures, including raising fuel prices, slowing state projects, and dimming streetlights.
Critics argue that the early closures disproportionately affect the informal economy. “Millions of small businesses depend on evening foot traffic, “economist Wael el-Nahas told AFP. “Cutting those hours means cutting incomes.”.
The Egyptian pound has lost approximately 15 percent of its value since the war began, reaching a record high of 54. 3 to the dollar, while inflation hit 13. 6 percent in March.
At another downtown cafe, the owner explained that staff now rotate shifts, with half working one day and staying home the next. Despite the challenges, some shopkeepers remain optimistic, like Essam Farid, 67, who shrugged and said “People will adapt.”The early closures have already disrupted two major industries: cinema and tourism.
Film producer Gaby Khoury said cinemas are losing more than 60 percent of their revenues, with several film releases postponed and productions delayed indefinitely. Tourism, a crucial source of foreign currency, also fears a significant setback. While resort hubs like Luxor and Aswan are exempted, historic attractions in Cairo, such as the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, are not.
By 9:00 pm, shop owners stack their goods, turn off display lights, and pull down metal shutters, even as tourists continue to wander the alleyways. “It’s almost 8:00 pm now and tourists are still arriving, “Ahmed Ali, a shopkeeper, told AFP. “How can you expect me to close at nine?
Will tourists be able to leave in just one hour? It’s unreasonable.”The city’s energy, especially from Egyptians going home early, is crucial for tourists, and with the vibe disappearing, they may start looking elsewhere.
Source: Africanews
