Amman, Feb. 9 (Petra) – The Lower House of Parliament approved Monday the first two articles of the 2025 Gas Law, establishing a regulatory framework for natural gas and hydrogen and paving the way for increased investment in Jordan’s energy sector.

The legislative session, chaired by Speaker Mazen Qadi and attended by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and members of the government, lasted two hours.

The first article, endorsed on the recommendation of the Parliamentary Energy and Mineral Resources Committee, stipulates that the law will take effect upon publication in the Official Gazette. The committee also approved an amendment updating the reference year from 2025 to 2026 and removing the clause "after one hundred and eighty days." Article Two of the draft law was also approved following committee recommendations.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh noted that the draft law, prepared last year, recognizes natural gas as a cost-effective fuel that will help reduce energy expenses. He added that initial gas distribution will cover the governorates of Amman and Zarqa for transportation and domestic use.

Several lawmakers highlighted that the Gas Law provides Jordan with its first national legal framework for green hydrogen and its derivatives, giving the Kingdom a competitive edge in attracting foreign investment and enhancing sustainable energy security.

The draft law establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for gas production, transportation, distribution, storage, registration, and regasification, ensuring efficient delivery to industrial, commercial, transportation, and household sectors. MPs emphasized that expanding natural gas as a primary fuel will strengthen the national economy and bolster energy security.

Lawmakers also stressed that the law balances investment attractiveness with energy sovereignty and economic efficiency with environmental sustainability. It is considered a foundational step for the development of hydrogen derivatives in Jordan.

The draft law was initially referred to the Parliamentary Energy Committee following a House session on November 24 and was subsequently approved with amendments on January 20. The Cabinet had earlier endorsed it on August 10, 2025.

The legislation provides a modern framework covering natural gas, biogas, biomethane, and hydrogen, regulating import, transportation, distribution, storage, and wholesale and retail activities. It allows for both shared and self-operated facilities, facilitates strategic economic projects, and promotes investment through a clear regulatory environment. The law also streamlines licensing procedures, sets mechanisms for fee calculation, and permits licensees to sign investment and sales agreements under a transparent, competitive framework.

By creating a structured legal and regulatory environment, the Gas Law is expected to accelerate Jordan’s transition to natural gas, support the expansion of transportation, distribution, and storage networks, and advance the Kingdom’s shift toward clean energy.

//Petra// AJ