Jordan’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply issued a 13 October decision conditionally approving Afaq Energy’s acquisition of full ownership of Advanced Central Gas, a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) distributor. Petra reported that the decision followed a Competition Protection Department review of risks in centralized LPG distribution. The review said Afaq could use its financial strength to offer extended payment terms, indirect discounts or free infrastructure, potentially disadvantaging smaller firms and deterring entrants.

The conditions prohibit customer payment terms longer than 30 days and direct or indirect discounts on gas supply prices. They also bar free network replacement or infrastructure for micro and small firms in exchange for exclusive supply. Afaq-owned centralized distributors must remain administratively and commercially separated, and workers’ rights must be protected. Breaching the commitments could void approval and require the transaction to be reversed; the decision does not say the acquisition has closed.