Jordan and Qatar have met for talks regarding the possibility of the kingdom being supplied with gas from the Gulf state.

A joint technical committee has been formed that will explore possibilities that include a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal being built at the Port of Aqaba as early as 2013, according to the Jordan Times.  

The move has been sparked by Jordan’s increasing reluctance to rely on Egyptian gas after a number of disruptions to supply over the past five years. Jordan currently relies on Egyptian gas to provide 80 per cent of its power needs.

Now Jordan believes that Qatar’s gas can ease its reliance on Egypt and move it towards more secure energy sources. Jordan has to import 98 per cent of its energy.