DOHA/DAMASCUS, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Qatar announced on Thursday the start of natural gas supplies to Syria through Jordan to address the country's severe electricity shortage, according to Qatar News Agency.
The initiative is part of an agreement signed by the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) with Jordan's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, to provide operational support as needed.
According to a QFFD statement, the initiative will supply natural gas to generate 400 megawatts of electricity daily, with plans to gradually increase production at Syria's Deir Ali power plant.
The agreement includes the use of the floating regasification vessel located at Jordan's Aqaba port to receive liquefied gas, convert it, and pump it into Syria through the Arab Gas Pipeline.
The electricity will be distributed across several Syrian cities, including the capital Damascus, Rif Dimashq, As-Suwayda, Daraa, Al-Qunaitra, Homs, Hama, Tartus, Latakia, Aleppo, and Deir Al-Zour, contributing to the improvement of basic services and the stability of affected communities.
"This initiative represents an important step towards meeting Syria's energy needs, and reflects a shared commitment among all parties to work collectively for the benefit of the region," the statement quoted Fahad bin Hamad Al Sulaiti, director general of the QFFD, as saying.
He further reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to supporting the Syrian people, responding to their urgent needs, and strengthening their resilience to ensure a stable and prosperous future.
Meanwhile, Syrian interim Electricity Minister Omar Shaqrouq said on Thursday that Qatar will supply Syria with 2 million cubic meters of natural gas daily to help strengthen the country's struggling energy sector.
The additional gas will boost the country's daily electricity supplies by two to four hours, which significantly improves conditions for residents and supports key economic sectors, Shuqrouq said.
Years of conflict have severely damaged Syria's infrastructure, leading to persistent electricity shortages across the country. ■
