MANDEVILLE, Manchester — A seasoned professional in the petroleum marketing and distribution industry says his stance to keep gas prices low here in comparison to other retailers, amid near weekly rises per litre, has resulted in a boom for his business.

Dean “Dino” Peart, a proprietor at Jamgas, told the Jamaica Observer on Wednesday that he has constantly been easing the burden off consumers.

“My policy has always been to sell with a conscience. I don’t believe that I have to [pressure] you to make a profit, so that has always been my policy… what you have to remember is that when you have a lot of money, you don’t really care where you go [for gas] because the money don’t mean anything, but when the economy starts to tighten up on you, you are looking for the cheapest place to buy whatever you need to buy,” said Peart, whose petrol station is located off the Winston Jones Highway in Mandeville.

He said his location is key, taking into consideration that he’s the last stop before the May Pen to Williamsfield leg of Highway 2000.

“The increase in prices and me holding down my prices is actually to my advantage. I am actually doing better in these times than regular times,” he added.

His comments came against the backdrop of the latest ex-refinery costs from Petrojam, and last week’s announcement by Energy Minister Daryl Vaz of a new pricing mechanism for State-owned refinery Petrojam Limited, signalling that Jamaicans will have to pay more for petroleum products.

Wednesday, both grades of gasoline went by $4.50 per litre, setting 90-octane at $188.57 per litre, and 87-octane for $181.13.

While telling Jamaicans “there is no need to panic”, Vaz said Petrojam’s mechanism had been effective in cushioning consumers but resulted in significant financial losses. He said it had become necessary to make changes to the pricing mechanism to respond to the price uncertainty caused by the Middle East crisis, and a tiered approach was being implemented which would see petroleum prices being more closely aligned to global price movements as Petrojam’s $4.50 cap could not be sustained.

Lyden “Trevor” Heaven, proprietor of Heaven’s Fesco in Mandeville, said while he understands the Government’s position on the adjustment cap, fuel retailers themselves are still facing strain and challenges six months post-Hurricane Melissa.

“What is instructive is that traditionally, there is a cap on these adjustments to benefit all stakeholders from the effects of major spikes weekly. Nonetheless, we understand the Government’s concerns regarding absorbing billions whenever there are unprecedented shifts… We must pay due regard to the impact of major increases on all goods and services and its effects on those who can least afford it, especially when considering many still suffering from Melissa,” he said.

“Many gasoline retailers have not been able to undertake repairs to their stations due to affordability, [so] to add the additional burden of having to find resources to pay these increases is likely to cause significant fallout,” he added. “Unfortunately, the major marketing companies are usually not sympathetic. I would urge the minister and Government to continue the status quo to allow for a smoother, less-damaging effect on our retailers, consumers and country.”

When the Observer visited petrol stations in Mandeville, consumers said they have been reducing their travelling where possible and were conserving on fuel by carpooling or choosing public transportation.

“The gas price is rising and it is not keeping pace with inflation. We don’t produce oil so it is always going to be rough on us. I don’t feel pleased about it but gas runs the vehicle, so we don’t have a choice,” said a motorist who only identified himself by his alias King Fabulous. “However, if I don’t have to go anywhere I won’t, and if I have to go on the road I just take a taxi.”

Another motorist who identified himself only as Max chimed in: “We need the gas so what are we going to do? Whether we talk or not the price is still going to be high same way. I have been conserving as best as I can. No unnecessary movement.”

A TotalEnergies service station on Caledonia Road in Mandeville (Photo: Kasey Williams)

Heaven’s Fesco gas station in Mandeville.