The Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ), National Compliance and Regulatory Authority (NCRA) and the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) take note of statements in the Sunday Gleaner dated 17 February 2019, regarding fuel quality in the Jamaican market. The CAC has reported that, to date, they have not received any complaints regarding engine damage due to alleged compromised fuel. Consumers with complaints, regarding fuel, should immediately bring same to the attention of the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) for thorough investigation. For ease of processing, complaints should be supported with date, time and location of purchase and contact number of the complainant.

Despite having no evidence to corroborate fears of “Bad Gas” currently, the NCRA and BSJ will increase monitoring of the sector to give the public greater confidence in the integrity of their fuel supply. It is important to note that since September 2017, the amendment to the Petroleum Quality Control Act (PQCA) requires that all fuel must be certified by BSJ/NCRA before release into trade. This has been fully implemented where all E10 87, E10 90, Diesel (ADO), Ethanol, and Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) must satisfy ALL specifications of the PQCA before being released for sale. All fuel entering the market, through legal means, at the point of import or refinery, must be certified by the BSJ/NCRA prior to release. Any fuel which fails the specification is detained and barred from release in the market until found to be satisfactory.

All retailers should request the Certificate of Quality from the supplier. Monitoring at the pump, which existed prior to September 2017, continues as per regulatory standards by the NCRA & BSJ. We encourage consumers to refer all concerns related to fuel to the Bureau of Standards Jamaica and the Consumer Affairs Commission, so investigations can be launched where suspicion arises.