Israel has suspended production at the Tamar gas field off its southern coast and will seek alternative fuel sources to meet its needs, the energy ministry said.

Chevron, which operates the field, confirmed it had been instructed by the ministry to shut down the field, which is a major source of gas to Israel’s power generators and industry.

Some of Tamar’s gas is also exported to neighboring Jordan and Egypt.

“In the wake of the situation, Israel’s defense establishment ordered the temporary suspension of natural gas supplies from the Tamar field,” the energy ministry said in a statement.

“The economy’s energy needs will be supplied by alternative fuels. The power industry is preparing to use alternative fuels to power its stations.”

Tamar is located some 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) off the city of Ashdod along Israel’s southern Mediterranean coast.

Israel’s largest offshore gas field, Leviathan, continues to operate normally, Chevron said.

Israel became a major regional gas supplier with the start of production at the Tamar field a decade ago, which was followed by several other gas developments.

Tamar’s production rose by 18% in 2022 to 10.25 billion cubic meters (bcm), according to government data.

Chevron owns a 25% stake in Tamar, while Isramco holds 28.75%, the United Arab Emirates’ Mubadala Petroleum 22%, Tamar Petroleum 16.75%, Dor Gas 4%, and Everest owns 3.5%.