A friend in need is a friend in deed. And that has been proven time and time again by Saudi Arabia, which is more than a friend to Jordan, with the brotherly ties binding the two countries rising to levels that can be exemplary to other Arab states.

At a time when Jordan is facing a continuously rising budget deficit that is mainly the result of the global economic crisis, rising fuel prices and disruptions in gas supplies from Egypt, Saudi Arabia once again came to our help.

The budget deficit was rising to unprecedented levels and was believed to reach beyond the JD2 billion mark, mainly due to the disruptions in Egyptian gas supplies as a result of attacks on the gas pipeline in the Sinai peninsula by unknown assailants. The last attack on July 12, the fourth this year, occurred as Jordanian and Egyptian officials were considering an amended agreement that would end the favourable pricing mechanism that gave Jordan gas at prices less than half the international rate.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the continuous disruptions in natural gas supplies in the first half of the year cost the Kingdom – which imports 97 per cent of its energy needs – JD637 million. The supplies are still on hold as the pipeline is still being repaired.

The continuous disruptions in Egyptian gas supplies and attempts to renegotiate deals already signed between the two countries not only place a burden on the budget, but also create uncertainties for the public and investors alike, mainly concerning electric power supplies.

These uncertainties were ended by Saudi Arabia which continuously shows understanding for Jordan’s sensitive position.

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