Amman: The Senate’s Energy and Mineral Resources Committee, chaired by Farouk Hiyari, on Wednesday discussed with Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh, the ongoing petroleum sector projects and strategies for enhancing Jordan’s energy security.
According to Jordan News Agency, discussions during the meeting focused on reviewing progress under the Energy Cost Reduction Initiative and the Energy Infrastructure Development Initiative, which are key components of the Executive Program of the Economic Modernization Vision. Hiyari emphasized the need to accelerate the completion of planned projects to strengthen Jordan’s energy security, reduce the cost of petroleum derivatives, and expand reserves.
The minister highlighted the need for efficient infrastructure through Aqaba’s energy ports to manage petroleum imports and storage operations. Kharabsheh outlined the ministry’s current efforts, primarily in the exploration and drilling activities of oil and natural gas, noting infrastructure development endeavors aimed at reducing petroleum supply costs.
He referred to upgrades at Sheikh Sabah Port, the establishment of an onshore refueling unit, leasing a floating storage unit, and enhancements at the oil port. The minister also discussed the planned shift from a fixed pricing mechanism to a price ceiling model for petroleum products, as well as licensing new marketing companies and increasing national storage capacity to boost Jordan’s energy security.
Meanwhile, senators stressed the importance of these initiatives, calling for continued implementation of the ministry’s projects and its affiliated institutions as part of the national modernization plan.