KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Phillip Paulwell has granted a 20-day extension to the Petroleum Trade Reform Committee (PTRC), the body established to investigate allegations of contaminated petrol within the petroleum market.

The Noel daCosta-led aommittee, established in the wake of reports of engine damage caused by contaminated petrol was mandated to investigate the nature and source of the contamination and report its finding to the minister by January 31, 2016.

However, the committee has requested an extension, stating that the “complex nature of the current problem dictates more time and resources for us to arrive at a meaningful conclusion, therefore your request for us to provide you with a report on the first part by January 31, 2016, has proven to be a major challenge.”

In a letter dated January 31, the committee provided an update of its activities consistent with its terms of reference and the urgency with which it had been tasked to undertake the exercise.

“Since the establishment of the committee, we commenced a comprehensive review of the petroleum trade and have had consultations with a wide cross-section of stakeholders and interest groups, including: officials of the Ministry of Science Technology, Energy and Mining; Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce; all Petroleum Marketing Companies/Importers collectively; TOTAL; Rubis; GB/Texaco; Petrojam; the Taxi Drivers’ Association; the Automobile Dealers; the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ); the Consumers’ Affairs Commission; and the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Task Force (MOCA),” the letter stated.

Reinforcing its request for an extension of its deadline, the Committee, according to a news release from the ministry, explained that the requisite detailed analysis will also benefit from the support of an independent, internationally accredited industry expert.

“In consultation with industry stakeholders, the committee intends to source this expert from the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or through the International Fuel Quality Center (IFQC)”.

With the 20-day extension, the committee is expected to submit its interim report on or before February 20, 2016. The life of the committee remains 90 days and the body expressed the commitment to deliver its full report within the previously agreed period of three months.

The Petroleum Trade Reform Committee comprises: Noel Da Costa, chairman; Howard L Hamilton, businessman; Metry Seaga, president, Jamaica Manufacturers Association (JMA); Dolsie Allen, chief executive officer, Consumer Affairs Commission; Leonard Green, president, Jamaica Gasoline Retailers Association; and Kent LaCroix, president Jamaica New Car Dealers’ Association.