High energy bill taking toll on economy — energy minister

ABU DHABI — Energy Minister Mohammad Hamed said on Sunday that the government is facing problems in curbing poverty and unemployment due to the high energy bill.

Delivering a speech at the opening of the 10th Arab Energy Conference in Abu Dhabi, Hamed said Jordan imports 97 per cent of its energy needs, adding that the cost of imported energy for 2014 will hit $6 billion, constituting 20 per cent of the gross domestic product.

He also added that the disruption in the Egyptian gas supply to the Kingdom has had a negative impact on the economy.

The minister also presented a briefing on Jordan’s increasing burdens as a result of hosting around 1.4 million Syrian refugees.

The conference concludes on Tuesday.