Khaberni - Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Saleh Al-Kharabsheh stated that Jordan possesses safe levels of fuel reserve, confirming no disruptions in the electrical power supply despite rising regional tensions and global oil prices.
Al-Kharabsheh explained on Thursday that the Kingdom operates according to standard and emergency plans, which include maintaining a strategic fuel reserve that allows for switching to alternatives in case of natural gas supply interruptions. He pointed out that power stations are capable of operating using heavy fuel and diesel in addition to gas. He added that Jordan has a fuel stock sufficient for about 30 days, continually enhanced to maintain safe levels, indicating that the current additional daily cost for the electric power sector from using this stock is about 2.5 million dinars, which could reach around 5 million dinars per day under current global prices.
He noted that oil prices have risen from about 77 dollars per barrel to nearly 100 dollars currently since the beginning of the war, which has impacted the costs of various types of fuel, pointing out that the continued price hike will increase daily costs.
Al-Kharabsheh said that Jordan has tendered for purchasing a new shipment of liquefied natural gas, explaining that the current stock lasts for two weeks, along with another shipment that will cover an additional two weeks, asserting the diversity of generation sources through solar, wind, and oil shale energy.
Regarding the energy strategy, he mentioned that the government is working on increasing reliance on local sources, including renewable energy and oil shale, in addition to boosting gas production from the Risha field, expecting that these efforts will meet the electricity generation needs within about 3 years, possibly achieving a surplus.
About the oil derivatives pricing for April, Al-Kharabsheh explained that it is too early to make a decision given the price fluctuations, affirming that the government is balancing between the price rise and its impact on economic sectors.
The minister revealed that Jordan has received requests for exporting Iraqi crude oil and heavy fuel through its territory, pointing out that these requests are under study, with priority given to meeting local market needs and maintaining the strategic stock, in addition to considering the storage and logistical capabilities at the Aqaba port.
He confirmed that the government has prepared several scenarios within emergency plans to deal with any disruptions in supply chains or potential escalation, pointing out that these plans are ready to be implemented when needed.
Regarding the fuel price difference item, Al-Kharabsheh clarified that it remains fixed at zero, and that the government is monitoring market developments and the duration of price rises before making any decisions regarding it.
