Is Bad Gasoline Damaging Vehicles in Jamaica?
There have been increasing reports of sub-standard or tainted gasoline causing damage to vehicles across Jamaica.
Now the Bureau of Standards of Jamaica (BSJ) and Petrojam are conducting tests on gas samples from stations and are expected to detail their findings on December 30.
According to Loop News, there are reports of imported fuel being ‘watered down’ making its way to stations; with increased calls for the gas stations to be more vigilant and guard against this sub-standard gasoline reeking havoc among motorists.
Garry Simpson of Marathon told Loop News: “The whole automotive fuels industry has to be re -evaluated. Prices need to come down a lot more. Fuel prices are down 60 per cent across the world yet in Jamaica the prices have only come down – in some cases by just 11 per cent. How can the marketing companies explain that and what is Minister Paulwell doing about it?
“Then you have the petroleum marketing companies operating a monopoly and punishing both consumers and small operators. Some of the terms they impose are outrageous. In order to obtain higher margins Jamaicans are taking huge hits and Paulwell fails to keep them in check,” he added.
“Who is looking out for the Jamaican consumer?” Simpson asked.
He also stated that the quality of imported gas has gone unchecked for some time and that both Petrojam and the government had a lot to answer for.
“The quality of the gas in Jamaica is very poor and is damaging engines. There was a problem with diesel but the gas you get here would fail the test in most developed countries.”
“It’s no point having a BMW, Mercedes, Audi or any premium vehicle and putting bad quality gas into it. It makes no sense and will cost you a fortune. The car dealers need to speak up here and they haven’t,” Simpson contended.
“Any German quality car maker will tell you that you should be putting at minimum 94 into your vehicle and you certainly don’t get that here. If your basic Toyota Corolla is in trouble due to poor gas just imagine what is happening with your BMW!” he chimed.
Source: Loop News