The Prime Minister Mostafa Mdbouly stated on Wednesday that Egypt has enough wheat reserves to last more than five-and-a half months. He also said Egypt was building reserves as a preventative measure, as tensions in the region escalate.

He said that there was some question about Egypt's request for more than three million tons of grain, but it was all part of a worst-case scenario plan to meet the needs of a country which is often considered as the world's biggest wheat importer.

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The state grain buyer (GASC), has signed one of the largest direct wheat contracts it has ever made for monthly supplies between November and April. Totaling up to 3,12 million tons during the period.

"We were ask why you are talking about more than 3 millions of wheat. I am announcing an annual plan and taking measures according to that in order to be careful," Madbouly stated.

He said that the government was trying to build up reserves in case of worst-case scenarios. The fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon intensified, while there were fears about a possible Israeli strike on Iran as retaliation against its missile attack.

Madbouly continued, "I'm taking into consideration the worst-case scenarios... We have needs and certain quantities that the state could manage." (Reporting and editing by Mark Potter, David Gregorio and Nayera Abdallah)

(source: Reuters)