Gas disruption tests Jordan’s energy resilience

experts between reassurance and uncertainty
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Due to recent regional escalations, Israel has ordered a suspension of production at its massive Leviathan field, halting off supply to Jordan and Egypt. That interrupts a 2016 gas agreement between Jordan’s state-owned National Electric Power Company (NEPCO) and a consortium led by U.S.-based Noble Energy and Israel’s Delek Group involving the supply of approximately 45 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Israel’s Leviathan offshore field over 15 years, starting in January 2020. 

 

Valued at around $10 billion, the deal sparked widespread controversy in Jordan due to its secrecy, lack of parliamentary approval, and political sensitivity surrounding energy cooperation with Israel. Critics argue that the agreement imposes financial and strategic constraints on Jordan, including a $1.5 billion payment within the first five years and penalties for early cancellation. 

 

Despite triggering protests, the deal still went into effect when production began on the 31st December of 2019. Up until recently, gas from the Leviathan field made up around half of Jordan's total natural gas imports, natural gas comprising more than half the country’s energy source (68% in 2022).

 

The Leviathan field's strategic shutdown, along with the deal’s seemingly temporary halt, stirred some pressing concerns and questions on Jordan’s energy capacity in the following days -perhaps weeks. In this context, an emergency protocol has been activated by the authorities, including a temporary cut to gas supplies for factories linked to the main gas network. Some experts and governmental figures have been interviewed by Radio Al Balad, their statement permitting a more comprehensive look at Jordan’s energy situation as well as some plausible scenarios for the impacted kingdom.

 

"No need to panic... gas supplies are secure and reserves are sufficient" In a radio interview, energy expert Hashem Aqel reassured the public that the suspension of natural gas supplies from the Leviathan field will not affect energy stability in Jordan. He emphasized that although Jordan previously relied on natural gas for up to 73% of its electricity generation, alternative sources are available and reserves are sufficient to meet both industrial and household needs.

 

He continued, noting that the activation of the emergency plan has allowed a shift to diesel and heavy fuel oil (though more costly), and highlighted Jordan’s broader energy initiatives, creating a markedly different situation from the 2011 gas supply interruption from Egypt. As of today, the country can benefit from local gas from the Risha field (20 million cubic feet per day), renewable energy (around 30% of Jordan’s energy generation), electricity imports from Egypt,  and the Attarat power plant (covering roughly 17% of national demand).

 

Aqel pointed out that there is no direct impact on household gas, stating: "We must distinguish between natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); household gas is imported from the Red Sea via Saudi Arabia, and we have reserves that can last for 

more than 20 days." 

 

He then urged citizens not to panic or stockpile, warning against reacting to rumors. Should regional tensions escalate, including a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Aqel explained that Jordan relies primarily on Iraqi and Saudi oil, keeping supply lines safely away from conflict zones. He concluded: "Alternatives are in place, supplies are secure, and there is no need for panic or hoarding… the situation is fully under control."

 

Yet not all experts share this sense of reassurance. In another interview, economic expert and member of the Amman Chamber of Industry Eng. Musa Al-Saket sheds light on another side of the issue, warning of the repercussions of the continued suspension of gas imports from Israel’s Leviathan field. He noted that a prolonged crisis lasting several weeks would negatively impact Jordan's industrial sector, increasing production costs, and clarified that the gas previously supplied to factories did not come from the local Risha field but rather from external sources. 

 

Furthermore, he noted, while the government and NEPCO have spoken about short-term alternatives (lasting 20 to 30 days), there are no strategic long-term solutions currently in place. He stressed that most industries lack independent emergency plans as they rely on public-private partnerships in the energy sector, and called for greater freedom for factories to install renewable energy systems and increased investment in local energy sources. 

 

He also emphasized the urgency of allowing factories to generate their own electricity to meet their consumption needs, without being required to connect to the national grid. This, he said, would reduce reliance on imported energy and help avoid rising production costs. He called for a national dialogue to develop a comprehensive economic emergency plan that ensures continuity of production without passing the burden onto citizens, especially amid the ongoing regional crisis.

 

Al-Saket concluded by noting that the current impact on citizens remains indirect, urging economic sectors not to immediately pass cost increases onto consumers, and calling for strategic solutions that safeguard energy security and the stability of the national economy.

 

Jordan’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Dr. Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, offers a more reassuring approach, affirming during a meeting that the Kingdom’s electrical system remains stable and secure, despite the suspension of natural gas imports used for electricity generation amid the current regional escalation. He then emphasized on the alternative plans activated by Jordan to ensure continuous energy supply, noting that local energy resources have played a key role in supporting the electrical sector.

 

He added that Jordan currently imports around 100 million cubic feet of gas per day from Egypt, and that the government is incurring additional costs as a result of the ongoing crisis. The Kingdom is also replenishing its reserves of diesel and other petroleum derivatives through various supply chains to support power generation. He confirmed that power plants are fully capable of switching to alternative fuels, thereby maintaining network efficiency. He concluded that the ministry is closely monitoring regional developments and is coordinating with all relevant entities to ensure the continuity of electricity supply for all citizens and sectors across the country.Thus, the Leviathan field’s suspension has not only disrupted supply, activating an emergency protocol, but also reignited debates over Jordan’s energy sovereignty and long-term planning.