Israeli gas exports to Egypt will gradually reach 7 billion cubic metres, the source said on condition of anonymity.

Egyptian company Dolphinus Holdings reached a landmark deal last year with the Israeli companies operating the Israeli fields Leviathan and Tamar.

In October, the Israeli companies said they were increasing the amount of natural gas they plan to export to Egypt.

One source in the Israeli energy industry estimated the value of gas was now US$19.5 billion – US$14 billion coming from Leviathan and US$5.5 billion from Tamar.

Israel’s energy ministry gave its final approval for the start of production at the giant Leviathan field three days ago after a court lifted a temporary injunction granted over environmental concerns.

A spokesman for Egypt’s petroleum ministry said he could not provide any information on the matter.