By an OGJ correspondent
NICOSIA, Jan. 13 -- Jordan selected 47 local trucking companies to deliver 5.5 million tonnes of Iraqi oil during 2003 at a cost of $56 million, pending construction of a new oil pipeline.
The proposed $365 million, 750 km pipeline, which will link Jordan's Zarqa oil refinery with Iraq's Al-Haditha oil wells, is expected to replace the use of trucks for oil transport by 2004.
Jordan's section of the pipeline, from Zarqa to the Iraqi border, is to be completed by yearend, following the award in January of the tender for a 30year build, own, operate, and transfer contract.
Jordan receives all of its oil from Iraq, half of it free of charge and half purchased at $4-5/bbl less than the world market price.
