Amman: Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh on Wednesday inaugurated the Kingdom’s first independent compressed natural gas (CNG) filling station for buses, trucks, and vehicles, operating with gas produced from the Risha field.
According to Jordan News Agency, the station is affiliated with the National Advanced Natural Gas Company (Watani), a partnership between Jopetrol and the Jordan Liquefied Gas Company (JLG). It has a capacity of 1,500 liters and is equipped with two pumps that can fill vehicles at a pressure of 250 bars within 7 to 11 minutes for large vehicles. The facility features an advanced safety system to ensure secure operations.
Kharabsheh emphasized the ministry’s commitment to expanding the use of natural gas and fostering an investment-friendly environment for the sector, aligning with the Economic Modernization Vision and national plans to diversify energy sources. The ministry is working to deliver natural gas to various industrial areas and to supply Amman and Zarqa with natural gas for residential, commercial, and healthcare facilities.
The minister also highlighted the Jordan National Petroleum Company’s plan to increase production from the Risha field to 418 million cubic feet by 2030. This is part of a broader development strategy that includes constructing a 320-kilometer pipeline linking the Risha field to the Khanasri area and connecting it to the Arab Gas Pipeline. This project aims to distribute Risha gas to industrial zones and power plants across the Kingdom.
Kharabsheh noted that these initiatives will expand the use of domestic natural gas, lower energy costs across sectors, and support the Economic Modernization Vision by potentially creating up to one million jobs and achieving a growth rate of 5.6 percent.
Khaled Zoubi, General Manager of the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (Jopetrol/Watani), highlighted the significance of the partnership between Jopetrol and Jordan Gas in strengthening energy security. He said these projects contribute to the national economy and advance sustainable development.
Zoubi added that the opening of the station is a key milestone in Watani’s strategy to establish an integrated network of natural gas stations nationwide, providing cost-effective energy options to individuals and businesses. Watani representatives noted that natural gas offers a 50 percent reduction in vehicle energy costs compared to gasoline and diesel.
The company is also negotiating with three international companies to supply specialized kits for converting vehicles to natural gas. Watani has purchased its first tanker fully powered by compressed natural gas, reflecting its commitment to clean energy transition.