CAIRO, Sept 30 (Reuters) - Egypt aims to pay back $2 billionto $3 billion it owes to oil and gas companies operating in thecountry by the end of the year, the oil minister said at a newsconference on Tuesday, as the government tries to spur newinvestment to boost supplies.
The Arab world's most populous country faces a severe energycrisis, with firms reluctant to increase investments after the government fell behind on payments. (Reporting by Ehab Farouk; Writing by Maggie Fick; Editing byLouise Ireland)