Amman, July 27 (Petra) – The National Petroleum Company (NPC) is advancing plans to expand natural gas activities, including the development of the al-Risha gas field and the establishment of a central gas terminal under a newly signed agreement, Director General of the NPC Mohammad Khasawneh said Monday.

Khasawneh said the agreement covers the establishment of a gas terminal with a capacity of up to 50 million cubic feet per day, which is expected to begin operations early next year.

He added that the NPC is preparing for the development of the al-Risha gas field, with estimated investments ranging between $550 million and $750 million, as the company works to increase production and expand exploration activities.

Khasawneh made the remarks during a meeting with the Parliamentary Energy and Mineral Resources Committee, chaired by MP Ayman Abu Hanieh, where the NPC’s operations, future plans and ongoing oil and gas projects were reviewed.

He said the company is also working to market natural gas through a "virtual pipeline" system based on compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG), noting that three companies are currently operating in this field, while a fourth is preparing to enter the market. The system is expected to contribute to reducing operational costs by between 30% and 50%, he added.

During the meeting, Abu Hanieh stressed the importance of accelerating the development of the al-Risha gas field, increasing production capacity and advancing drilling and exploration programs.

He highlighted the need to secure financing, obtain drilling equipment and prioritize projects based on available resources, while maintaining communication with investors through official channels.

The committee also discussed the possibility of establishing an independent drilling services company to improve operational efficiency and support exploration activities.

Meanwhile, Oil and Gas Directorate Director at the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission Abdul Salam Ziyoud reviewed developments in the natural gas import sector, saying four companies have applied for import licenses.

He said two companies have received approvals, while the remaining two are completing qualification procedures and currently supplying industrial facilities through gas tankers until pipeline infrastructure is completed.

Ziyoud added that the petroleum derivatives market includes three licensed import and distribution companies, which are monitored by the commission and relevant authorities to ensure compliance with quality standards, service requirements and pricing regulations.

//Petra// AJ