More Regulations Coming for Petroleum Industry

Science, Energy and Technology Minister, Dr. the Hon. Andrew Wheatley, says more regulations are being crafted to direct the operations of the petroleum industry in order to ensure increased compliance.

The new regulations form part of the recommendations made by the Petroleum Trade Reform Committee (PTRC) established to investigate reports of contaminated fuel or faulty gas in the petroleum market, which arose in late December 2015.

“There will be quite a number of changes. We will ensure that if you want to play in this game you will have to comply with these regulations, and we’re moving with haste to implement those recommendations,” the Minister said.

He was speaking at the second staging of the Jamaica Gasolene Retailers’ Association of Jamaica (JGRA) trade show, at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston on May 9.

The Minister advised that already, regulations have been instituted beginning with the signing of a Ministerial Order in 2017 that ensures that all petroleum products entering the island are tested and certified by the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ).

Dr. Wheatley indicated that the Government is seeking to strengthen the current licensing mechanisms and penalties under the Petroleum Act and Regulations “to ensure the appropriate enforcement of safety standards for the petroleum sector”.

This includes establishment of standards and regulations for liquid petroleum gas, natural gas and other forms of petroleum products.

Turning to other matters, Dr. Wheatley informed that the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Company Limited is in “the execution phase” of its 190-megawatt liquefied natural gas facility in Old Harbour Bay, St. Catherine.

The project is being undertaken through the company’s subsidiary, South Jamaica Power Company (SJPC) Limited.

“This project is moving on stream and on time and should see us commissioning the facility by June 2019. It is expect to cost some US$331 million,” he said.

This new energy plant will allow the JPS to retire its ageing Old Harbour Bay facility.

For his part, President of the JGRA, Phillip Chong, said the aim of the trade show is to develop solid partnerships with suppliers “as well as to bring some knowledge back to the retailers of what is in the industry today and the innovative items that exist”.

“This year, we have looked to go beyond our direct members and (examine areas such as) how to build a gas station in Jamaica, the standards that are required and things needed for the enhancement of the business,” he noted.

During the trade show, which was held under the theme ‘Honouring the Past, Embracing the Future’. Dr. Wheatley was taken on a tour of booths, which showcased product offerings from the automotive, petroleum and banking sectors.