Israel Suspends Production at Tamar Gas Field Amidst Regional Tensions

Israel’s energy ministry announced on Monday that production at the Tamar gas field, located off the southern coast of the country, has been temporarily suspended. The decision comes in the wake of three days of violence in the region, including a deadly incursion by Hamas gunmen from Gaza. Chevron, the operator of the Tamar field, confirmed that it had received instructions from the ministry to shut down operations.

The Tamar gas field is a significant source of gas for Israel’s power generators and industrial sector. It also exports gas to neighboring Jordan and Egypt. To address the temporary disruption, Israel’s power industry is preparing to utilize alternative fuel sources to meet the country’s energy needs.

In response to the situation, Israel’s government has authorized Energy Minister Yisrael Katz to declare a state of emergency for the energy sector if necessary. This would enable the government to allocate natural gas to consumers in case of supply shortages.

It is important to note that Israel’s largest offshore gas field, Leviathan, continues to operate normally and is unaffected by the suspension at Tamar.

The Tamar gas field has played a crucial role in establishing Israel as a major regional gas supplier since its production began a decade ago. Its production increased by 18% in 2022, reaching 10.25 billion cubic meters.

The ownership of the Tamar gas field is divided among various stakeholders, with Chevron holding a 25% stake. Other stakeholders include Isramco, Mubadala Energy, Union Energy, Tamar Petroleum, Dor Gas, and Everest.

While the situation remains tense, Israel is actively exploring alternative energy sources to ensure a stable supply during this temporary disruption. The government is closely monitoring the situation and will take necessary measures to mitigate any potential energy shortages.

As developments unfold, the energy ministry and relevant stakeholders will continue to assess the situation and work towards restoring normal operations at the Tamar gas field.