Jordan launches first CNG refuelling station powered by Risha field

Jordan inaugurated its first independent compressed natural gas (CNG) refuelling station for buses, trucks and other vehicles, in what officials described as a major step to expand natural gas use and reduce energy costs, as reported by Al Mamlaka TV on August 20.

“The government is committed to broadening the role of natural gas across the kingdom in line with its economic modernisation vision and plans to diversify energy sources,” Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Saleh Kharabsheh is quoted as saying. “The ministry is keen to expand natural gas use in Jordan and create an attractive investment environment for this vital sector.” 

The minister explained that work is underway to supply gas to the industrial zones of Ma’an, Al-Muwaqqar and Mafraq, as well as to Amman and Zarqa, to serve residential, commercial and health clusters.

Kharabsheh also pointed to the National Petroleum Company’s plan to boost production from the Risha gas field to 418mn cubic feet by 2030, supported by a 320km pipeline linking the field to the Arab Gas Pipeline network. “These projects will reduce energy costs across sectors, support economic growth of up to 5.6% and create one million jobs under the modernisation vision,” he added.

Khaled al-Zu’bi, director-general of Jopetrol/Watani, stressed the importance of partnerships in achieving energy security.

“The opening of this station is a vital step within Watani’s strategy to build an integrated natural gas network across the kingdom, giving individuals and companies wider energy options and supporting sustainable development goals,” he said.

The new station, with a capacity of 1,500 litres and two pumps, can fill vehicles at 250 bar pressure in 7–11 minutes. Officials said CNG offers savings of around 50% compared to petrol and diesel, with one cubic metre equivalent to one litre of diesel and sold at just JOD 0.28. Depending on cylinder size, vehicles can travel between 600 and 750km on a full tank.

Watani said it is negotiating with three major international firms to bring in teams specialised in converting petrol and diesel vehicles to run on gas. It also recently purchased its first CNG-powered tanker truck, which the company said reflects its commitment to clean energy.