The State of Qatar has begun providing Syria with a steady supply of natural gas through Jordanian territory, in an initiative aimed at alleviating the electricity shortage crisis and improving the country’s infrastructure.
This move follows an agreement between the Qatar Fund for Development, Jordan’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, and the United Nations Development Programme, which oversees implementation. The Qatar Fund for Development stated that the supplies will generate up to 400 megawatts of electricity daily in the first phase, with plans to gradually increase production at Syria’s Deir Ali power station. It added that the electricity will be distributed across multiple regions, including Damascus and its countryside, Suweida, Daraa, Quneitra, Homs, Hama, Tartus, Latakia, Aleppo, and Deir ez-Zor, supporting essential services and enhancing the stability of affected communities.
Fahd bin Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Director General of the Qatar Fund for Development, affirmed that this cooperation underscores the importance of supporting sustainable development and fostering regional solidarity. He said, “This initiative marks a turning point in meeting the Syrian people’s energy needs and reflects a shared commitment among the parties to serve the region.” He added that Qatar, through the Fund, will continue supporting Syrians and responding to their urgent needs to bolster their resilience and build a more stable and prosperous future.
This initiative embodies Qatar’s commitment to supporting the Syrian people in humanitarian and relief efforts, contributing to recovery and reconstruction, and ensuring access to basic services to achieve a secure and sustainable future for all.
Syrian Electricity Minister Omar Shaqrouq commented that Qatar will support the energy sector by supplying two million cubic meters of gas daily. The Qatari gas will be transported via a pipeline from Jordan to the Deir Ali station in southern Syria, potentially boosting electricity supply to 400 megawatts.
Notably, this initiative will increase the average electricity supply for Syrians to four hours daily, up from two, easing the acute energy crisis. Syria suffers from a severe electricity shortage, with government supplies typically limited to two to three hours daily in most areas.
It is also worth noting that damage to the electricity grid makes increasing generation only part of the solution. Damascus previously relied on Iranian oil for power generation, but supplies ceased following Assad’s ousting last December. The transitional government pledged to rapidly increase supplies by importing energy from Jordan and utilizing floating power stations that have yet to arrive.
