Egypt is hopeful that a deal with the IMF will address its foreign currency crisis and allow it to settle outstanding dues with foreign oil companies. The exact amount of arrears was not disclosed by Oil Minister El-Molla, who also noted a decline in gas production to 5.5 bln cubic feet per day due to natural field depletions, marking a years-low level. This decrease may necessitate halting LNG exports to Europe during the summer to satisfy domestic demand.