Energy Minister sidesteps Total price policy issue

James Robertson, Minister of Energy, has declined to comment directly on the furore over the new pricing policy of petroleum marketing company, Total.

Total has been facing criticism for adding 80 cents per litre to prices at the pump to help offset increases in its operational costs.

The Jamaica Gasoline Retailers Association (JGRA) has chided the company for placing an additional burden on consumers.

When contacted for a comment on Thursday night, the Energy Minister would only say that motorists should take advantage of the deregulated petroleum retail trade.

Mr. Robertson said given the instability in the oil market, Jamaicans should make every effort to protect themselves.

“I will say to you that it is a deregulated market. The Government of Jamaica has made sure that consumers have an option, there is a small company owned by the government that is left in the market that I can tell you is not doing anything to gorge the market,”

“Now if anybody is upset with that comment that I have just made it is on the basis of the question I was asked. I will go on to indicate that we genuinely believe that the consumers will adjust and make their best decision,” Mr. Robertson said.