Jordan approves Iraqi gas, oil pipeline deal

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Jordanian government on Monday approved a deal with the Iraqi federal government to build two oil and gas pipelines connecting the neighboring countries, Jordanian state-run news agency Petra reported.

The pipeline would stretch from the province of Basra to Aqaba in Jordan, the government said, adding that the energy ministries would soon sign an agreement.

The deal is believed to be a strong strategic investment for both states and expected to fulfill Jordan’s oil and gas needs.

The Jordanian cabinet also mentioned the project would help the Iraqi government increase and broaden its oil exports abroad.

According to the Kingdom’s Ministry of Energy, the 1,680 kilometers double pipelines would export one million oil barrels per day from Basra to the Jordanian Aqaba Port on the Arabia Gulf as well as 258 million cubic feet of gas.

Jordan needs almost 150,000 oil barrels from Iraq to fulfill its internal needs. The rest would be sent abroad, generating roughly three billion US dollars in revenue every year for the government in Amman, the Energy Ministry said.

Editing by Nadia Riva