AMMAN — The Cabinet, during a session on Sunday chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, approved the 2025 Gas Law, to be then referred to the Lower House for deliberations.

 

The Prime Ministry described the draft law in a statement as a “key step toward modernizing Jordan’s energy sector and aligning it with international standards and global trends toward clean energy.”

 

The legislation establishes a comprehensive legal framework to regulate activities across the gas and hydrogen sectors, including the import, transportation, distribution, storage, and sale of gas products.

 

The law covers various gas types, including natural gas, biogas, biomethane, and hydrogen, demonstrating legislative flexibility in accommodating the global transition to clean energy. It is expected to enable the implementation of strategic infrastructure projects, stimulate investment through clear regulatory procedures, and encourage the development of transport and storage networks, the statement said.

 

It also outlines transparent mechanisms for calculating service fees and grants licensed entities the ability to enter into investment and sales agreements in a fair and competitive environment.

 

The draft law also mandates compliance with international operating standards and ensures that green hydrogen meets recognised origin certification standards.

 

The Cabinet also approved a new regulation for the establishment of an independent power transmission system, self-generation stations, and energy storage stations, forming a “critical part of Jordan’s push toward renewable energy and green hydrogen production.”

 

The regulation supports the creation of a secure and standalone electrical infrastructure that operates entirely on renewable sources, ensuring flexibility in energy transport and grid independence, the government said.

 

It encourages investment by offering a transparent licensing process and allowing direct investment agreements, while laying out clear economic return models and operational standards.

 

The new framework is designed to position Jordan as a regional leader in clean energy infrastructure and green hydrogen production, meeting global environmental standards and boosting investor confidence in the sector, according to the statement.

 

In support of the tourism sector, the Cabinet approved a package of new and amended regulations, including the establishment of a Tourism Development and Support Fund and reforms to the Jordan Hotels Association and the Jordan Restaurants Association. The fund will help finance tourism-related projects, support local communities, and assist the sector in weathering crises, the statement said.

 

The amendments aim to align the governance of tourism associations with updated classification systems, restructure their boards, and ensure transparency in fee collection, while enabling the associations to play a stronger role in developing the industry.

 

The Cabinet also approved proposed amendments to the regulation governing passenger transport using smart applications, aiming to improve service quality and enhance competitiveness. The changes include allowing new companies to enter the market, setting performance standards, and requiring the use of integrated smart platforms with GPS tracking and electronic payment systems.

 

The revised regulation reduces the maximum age of new vehicles from seven to five years, mandates comprehensive insurance policies specific to app-based services, and introduces standard contracts to define the rights and obligations of all parties.

 

To improve national planning and geographic data consistency, the Cabinet endorsed the adoption of official administrative maps prepared by the Ministry of Interior. These maps, based on a thorough redefinition of governorate, district, and sub-district boundaries, will now serve as the standard reference for all public institutions, including ministries, universities, municipalities, and government bodies.

 

Two working groups were formed to support the rollout of a unified digital geographic information system (GIS), evaluate institutional readiness, and coordinate the implementation of a national address system.