KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Science, Energy and Technology Andrew Wheatley has reiterated his commitment to ensuring that existing gaps in the petroleum trade are closed.

Speaking at the re-launch of the Total Fuel Card at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston on Tuesday evening, Dr Wheatley said that the re-launch of the Total Card was a positive move for the brand, and also for the entire petroleum industry.

He said that it was also a clear demonstration that the industry was turning the corner, and was making use of available technologies to modernize its services to customers.

However, he noted that with thousands of litres of petroleum moving across the country on a daily basis, with a total 7.37 million barrels sold by marketing companies to all business segments in 2015, there was need for it to be managed well, to ensure the safety and security of all the stakeholders, as well as the security of the fuel.

“I wish to place on record, this time as minister, my own disappointment with what transpired in the industry late last year and the reports of contaminated gas. I use this opportunity to re-iterate my own commitment and the commitment of this administration to the people of Jamaica to ensure that the existing gaps in the system will be addressed,” he said.

“We are committed to ensuring that a robust regulatory regime to govern the handling and custody of petroleum products is effected to safeguard Jamaican businesses and consumers,” he said.

Balford Henry