Jamaica faces another spike in fuel prices just week after recent Increase

2024-07-07 15:54:32

Dominica announces fuel price adjustments effective today

Frequent changes in fuel prices are resulting in outrage and anger among Jamaicans. In retaliation, the public has expressed their dismay at the state-owned oil refinery Petrojam, which again released new rates just days after the recent hike on January 18. The prices of gasoline, diesel, and cooking gas (propane and butane) will be increased effective Thursday, 25 January 2024. Notably, cooking gas has been increased the most. The price of propane cooking gas will go up by $2.30 and will be sold for $75.82, while butane will move up by $2.69 and will cost $85.14 per litre. According to the information, motorists will have to pay $0.25 more for gas as the E-10 90 will be sold for $166.14 per litre, and a litre of E-10 90 will be sold for $172.25. Automotive diesel oil will move up by $0.78 per litre and the new price of the product is $173.21. Meanwhile, the Ultra-low sulphur diesel will be sold for $179.73 per litre following an increase of $0.25. The only product whose price has been decreased is Kerosene. As per the information, the price will be reduced by $1.31 and the new price of the product will be $180.06. Petrojam has asked the retailers to add their mark-ups to the announced prices. Notably, last week only, on January 18, the company announced an increase in prices of products, which showed an increase of $3.05 in the prices of diesel, making the final price $172.43 per litre. This continuous increase in prices of several fuel products has caused a sense of anger among the citizens and residents of Jamaica. People took to Facebook to express their views and urged the government to lessen the prices. "Unless you plan to park or carpool with someone, nothing else will have us saving. The government need to help us shelter the burden and reduce the gas tax," said a user named Stashi Ralf, while another user suggested, "Time for an all-island demonstration for the removal of the gas tax." "Every week, the prices of items rise; you can't even make a budget anymore," lamented another user named Scarlett.

Kofi Nelson

Kofi Nelson is a seasoned political analyst known for his sharp commentary and insight into UK and Caribbean politics. With a career rooted in investigative journalism and public policy analysis, Kofi’s articles aim to inform, challenge, and provoke thoughtful discussion. He contributes expert opinions on current affairs, elections, and governance matters.