JGRA welcomes low-sulphur diesel

... Had considered phasing out diesel

Chad Bryan, Gleaner Writer

President of the Jamaica Gasolene Retailers Association (JGRA), Derrick Thompson, has welcomed Energy Minister Phillip Paulwell's announcement that low-sulphur diesel will soon be available in Jamaica.

Paulwell made the announcement in his recent contribution to the 2013 Budget Debate, saying the low-sulphur diesel will be introduced to the motoring public at retail stations as of June 24.

"This fuel is very important. One of the challenges we have is the complaints from motorists of the high sulphur content that is damaging their engines. At least this will provide renewed confidence in the purchase of diesel," Thompson said.

Thompson said that this fuel will be important to the gasolene retailers, as motorists will be able to hold on to their diesel engines longer. He added that the JGRA had been contemplating phasing out diesel across the island.

However, Thompson said the introduction of low-sulphur diesel will result in a price increase.

CLEANER

Low-sulphur, or ultra low-sulphur diesel, is a cleaner fuel as it has been refined so that its sulphur content is lower than normal diesel fuel. Paulwell acknowledged that there have been calls from the motoring public as well as from fuel retailers for this product on the market.

The minister also mentioned the importance of Petcom as a strategic asset in the marketing of petroleum in Jamaica and that two of Petcom's retail stations, at Dunrobin in St Andrew and Portmore Parkway in St Catherine, have been prepared for the low-sulphur diesel's arrival. Once it becomes available it will be available for purchase from these petrol stations and will be retailed from others shortly after.

Thompson also said that with the introduction of this fuel there will be less sulphur dioxide (So2) hitting the atmosphere and therefore it should be healthier for the environment.

Sulphur, a natural part of the crude oil from which diesel is obtained, is one of the key causes of soot or other particulates in diesel. Soot is primarily responsible for some diesel engines' noxious black exhaust fumes.

The move to low-sulphur diesel is aimed at lowering diesel engines' harmful exhaust, thereby improving air quality.