Khaberni - Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Al-Kharabsheh confirmed that the Kingdom possesses a stock designated for generating electricity that is sufficient for about a month in case of supply cuts, in addition to a strategic inventory ranging from 30 to 60 days depending on the type of oil derivatives.
Al-Kharabsheh explained during radio statements that the strategic stock of the Kingdom has not been used yet, and is designated for emergency situations such as supply chain disruptions, noting that the situation in Jordan is reassuring, and the energy sector operates according to well-planned strategies that ensure continuity of supply.
He clarified that since the beginning of the crisis, Jordan has been dealing with emergency plans and multiple scenarios whether regarding the fuel used for electricity generation or other sectors, emphasizing that supply chains continue according to long-term tenders, and the supply of stocks to power stations is proceeding normally.
He pointed out that the cost of gas used for electricity generation before the events was about 7 dollars per million British thermal units, but the events forced the government to use liquefied natural gas, which has risen globally to about 28 dollars, nearly four times the price.
Al-Kharabsheh added that due to the situation, there has been a resort to using fuel oil in some stations, such as the Aqaba thermal station, in addition to using diesel when the demand for electricity rises.
He explained that the additional cost borne by the treasury daily in the energy sector due to the ongoing war ranges between 2.5 and 3 million dinars, depending on demand levels.
Al-Kharabsheh emphasized that the option of programmed electricity shutdown is not being considered at the moment, as supply chains continue to operate, pointing out that emergency plans include specific measures that will be implemented in case of any dysfunction.
Regarding the fuel prices for next April, Al-Kharabsheh confirmed that global prices have seen a significant increase, reaching about 100 dollars per barrel, explaining that the oil derivatives pricing committee will hold its meeting at the end of the current month to review global prices and determine local prices based on the data, noting that the government will make every effort to alleviate the burden on the citizens.
Regarding Al-Risha gas field, Al-Kharabsheh explained that the National Petroleum Company, supported by the government, is working on developing the Al-Risha gas field, noting that the plan set for 2029 targets the development of production quantities, as the company tendered for drilling 80 wells to reach production levels exceeding 400 million cubic feet per day.
He noted that Jordan's daily average gas consumption reaches 340 million cubic feet, meaning that local production will cover the Kingdom's consumption, adding that there are measures to tender for the construction of a gas pipeline from Al-Risha to specialized centers, to be ready by 2029 concurrently with the development of the field’s production quantities.
