Another explosion at Egyptian gas pipeline halts supplies to Jordan

The attack, the sixth on the pipeline, targeted a pumping station about 15 miles (25 KM) west of the city of el-Arish.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Khalid Toukan said that concerned Egyptian authorities are now assessing damage and measures needed to protect the pipeline.

He added that the government is in constant contact with the Egyptian side to resume supplies in accordance with agreements signed by the two countries.

Since the early morning, the minister said, power plants in Jordan have switched to heavy fuel, adding that fuel quantities at electricity-generating stations are enough for a month.

Since the beginning of 2011, Egyptian gas terminals have been the target of a spate of attacks and bombings by saboteurs, rupturing supplies to Jordan.

In earlier remarks to Petra, Toukan said fluctuating gas supplies from Egypt could cost Jordan $1 billion by yearend as the Kingdom is heavily reverting to diesel and heavy fuel to generate electricity.

According to Toukan, the Kingdom imports 98 percent of its energy needs, not 96 percent as previously estimated.