Arab News: Jordan’s energy sector remains resilient, with strategic reserves sufficient to cover two months of domestic demand, a senior official said, as regional volatility intensifies and local consumption rises.
Director General of the Jordan Petroleum Refinery Co. Hassan Al-Hayari said the country maintains a “comfortable” 60-day reserve of petroleum products and cooking gas, dismissing concerns over potential shortages.
He added that supply chains remain fully operational and insulated from regional maritime disruptions, according to Jordan News Agency, known as Petra.
The update comes as regional energy systems face mounting pressure from the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, which has disrupted key shipping lanes, heightened risks around the Strait of Hormuz, and intensified concerns over the continuity of fuel supplies across the Middle East.
Against this backdrop, countries including Jordan are increasingly relying on diversified import routes, expanded storage capacity, and long-term infrastructure investments.
Al-Hayari noted that Saudi Arabia’s primary import route for crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas runs from Saudi Aramco via the Red Sea port of Yanbu to the port of Aqaba.
The official’s reassurance comes as domestic demand for LPG increases. Al-Hayari revealed that Jordan processed an additional 1.7 million gas cylinders in March compared to the same period last year, a surge that followed a 700,000-cylinder increase in January.
“Our energy strategy is built on expanding storage capacity and ensuring the continuity of supply,” Petra reported, citing Al-Hayari, who was speaking in a press briefing.
Petra stated that a vessel carrying about 12,000 tonnes of gas recently docked at Aqaba as part of a regular schedule of four to six monthly shipments.
It added that Jordan also imports around 1 million barrels of crude oil per month from Saudi Arabia, with two additional shipments secured in March to strengthen reserves.
The country’s energy infrastructure relies on a dual-track storage system managed by the JPRC and the Jordan Logistics State Co.
Combined, Petra stated, storage assets across Zarqa and Aqaba include 49,000 tonnes of LPG, of which 28,000 tonnes are held by JPRC and 21,000 tonnes by JLSC.
Diesel storage totals 160,000 tonnes held by JLSC, supplemented by JPRC’s multi-product capacity, while gasoline inventories comprise 175,000 tonnes of Octane 90 and 40,000 tonnes of Octane 95, both maintained by JLSC. Kerosene stocks amount to 24,000 tonnes, also held by JLSC.
Al-Hayari said the government has not needed to draw on its emergency strategic reserves this year, as commercial deliveries have remained aligned with demand.
He urged the public to disregard reports of potential shortages, affirming that refining and distribution operations are proceeding according to schedule without interruption.
Jordan’s reliance on diversified supply routes and domestic infrastructure is part of a broader long-term shift aimed at strengthening energy security.
Over the past two decades, the country has expanded investment in energy infrastructure and alternative sources, while reducing dependence on imports through increased diversification and the development of renewable energy.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2638432/business-economy
