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JPS worried rising fuel prices could affect customers

The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) says it is worried that rising fuel prices in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine will affect its customers.
 
It has called for a national response to the crisis. 
 
In a statement on Wednesday, the JPS noted that Jamaica is heavily dependent on imported oil and natural gas for the production of electricity.
 
JPS' Chief Financial Officer Vernon Douglas said the war in Ukraine means oil is much more expensive and supply is tight.
 
He said the prices of oil and natural gas have increased since last year and are likely to rise higher resulting in a spike in electricity costs.
 
The JPS executive explained that the company has to pay more to its fuel suppliers and added that fuel makes up about half of customers' electricity bills, so the monthly changes can be significant.
 
Mr. Douglas expressed relief that the government plans to cushion the impact of increasing energy cost on the most vulnerable and said he was hopeful that the Holness administration will suspend the fuel and electricity sales tax to further ease the burden on consumers.
 
JPS is also concerned about the possible shortage of fuel to Jamaica. 
 
The company has started discussions with its fuel suppliers, Petrojam and New Fortress Energy, to assess their ability to meet the country's fuel needs. 
 
The utility company said its suppliers are exploring all options to secure fuel. 
 
It warned that there could be a global fuel shortage, as sanctions tighten on Russia, and Jamaica could be badly affected. 


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