AMMAN — The Lower House on Wednesday approved nine additional provisions of the draft Gas Law for 2025, bringing the total number of ratified articles to 11 out of 32.

 

The session was chaired by Speaker Mazen Al Qadi, with the government team in attendance, while part of the meeting was presided over by First Deputy Speaker Khamis Atiyeh.

 

Lawmakers had previously endorsed two articles on Monday. The newly approved provisions were submitted by the government and align with the recommendations of the Parliamentary Energy and Mineral Resources Committee.

 

The draft gas law aims to regulate activities in the gas sector, encourage investment and diversification of energy sources, enhance national energy security, and protect consumer rights. It also harmonises with existing laws governing the extraction, processing, liquefaction, and distribution of natural gas.

 

Under the draft law, the Ministry of Energy is tasked with developing strategic policies for the gas sector in line with national economic and social development goals. The Ministry will also promote investment and competition, issue competitive tenders for developing shared-use facilities, establish supply prioritisation for strategic sectors, implement emergency plans, and coordinate with local and international authorities on sector-related matters.

 

The regulatory authority will oversee licensing and supervision of sector operators, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, approve tariffs and operational standards, monitor performance indicators, safeguard consumer rights, and certify facilities for green hydrogen production. The authority will also supervise emergency plans and issue sector guidelines to ensure the smooth and safe operation of all gas activities.

 

The law also defines permissible activities in the gas sector, including ownership, construction, development, and operation of shared-use or private-use facilities for natural gas, hydrogen, and derivatives. It covers transportation, distribution, storage, regasification, liquefaction, and pipeline networks.

 

Consumer services such as wholesale, retail, import, and export are also regulated, along with any additional activities authorised by the regulatory authority. Licenses will also clearly specify the scope of activities, compliance standards, tariffs, and operational guidelines.

 

Operators must follow the law, sector regulations, and approved operational and maintenance plans. Shared-use facilities are to be operated without discrimination, ensuring equitable access for all users, according to the draft law.

 

The law also safeguards consumer rights, promotes competitive practices, and ensures transparency in pricing.

 

The regulatory authority will issue technical standards, monitor compliance, and establish transparent, cost-based pricing for gas, hydrogen, and derivatives. It will also resolve disputes regarding pricing or service issues, working with relevant entities to enforce adherence to the law.

 

The draft Gas Law is designed to strengthen Jordan’s legal and regulatory framework for the gas sector, attract investment, ensure a sustainable energy supply, and protect consumer interests, while supporting the Kingdom’s broader economic development objectives.