Israel begins exporting gas

An Israeli company said Thursday it has started exporting gas from an offshore field to Jordan, marking the country’s first ever exports of natural gas. The exports to Jordan began in January, Delek Drilling — part of a consortium leading the development of Israel’s offshore gas reserves – told AFP.

There was no formal announcement at the time but it is the first time Israel has ever exported natural gas, a company spokeswoman said.

Jordanian firms Arab Potash and Jordan Bromine signed a deal in 2014 to import 2 billion cubic meters (around 70 billion cubic feet) of gas from Israel’s Tamar field over 15 years. At the time reports said the deal was worth $771 million.