Factors affecting delays in oil and gas construction projects

Ensuring the timely completion of construction projects is vital for overall efficiency. This study aims to identify, classify, and rank the main factors of delay in Egyptian oil and gas construction projects related to project stakeholders. A mixed-methods approach was used to Sharkia collect and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data. Data was gathered from 71 sector respondents. Expert interviews refined the delay factors from the literature to 20 for contractors, 17 for owners, and 13 related to consultants. Financial difficulties, late payments to suppliers and subcontractors, and supplier material delivery delays were the significant causes related to the contractor. Delays associated with owners came from ineffective contractor selection and government regulations. Consultants contributed to delays in finalizing drawings and designs. To provide a deeper understanding of the interrelationships among these factors and their collective effect on project delay, a structural model was developed and evaluated. The structural model demonstrated that deficiencies in project planning, design management, and owner decision-making collectively contribute to delays. This provides a basis for developing integrated management approaches to mitigate future delays and improve project performance in Egypt's oil and gas construction sector.