Jordan in Talks to Buy Gas from Israel

Jordan is in talks to import natural gas from Israel, which last week allowed 40% of its gas to be exported.  

"Jordan is in the most immediate need and would be the first client" for Israel, said Oded Eran, a former Israeli ambassador to Jordan familiar with the talks, Wall Street Journal reported.

Eran said a link could be established via a pipeline across the Dead Sea.

Jordan is facing a shortage of gas after supplies from Egypt dropped, forcing almost 50% rise in the cost of cooking gas and higher electricity rates.

A deal would offer Jordan a cheap energy source and relieve a painful energy crisis, Wall Street Journal said. Jordan also has held talks on natural gas with Iraq and Qatar.