Companies in the water, energy, transport, services, health and education sectors will all be sold later this year, according to Abdul Rahman Khatib, president of the commission.

In February, Jordan’s ambassador to the UK, Alia Hatoug-Bouran, confirmed that the kingdom’s monopoly refining business would be sold before the end of the year (MEED 26:02:08).

Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company has been up for sale since spring 2007, but the sale is being delayed as the government seeks to scrap subsidies on petrol, diesel and kerosene. The company will sell 75 per cent of its distribution network in the first phase of privatisation.

Ultimately, the government wants to sell Jordan Petroleum’s giant refinery in Zarqa, the country’s second-biggest city, so that a new owner will overhaul the facilities.