An increase in the cost of fuel spurred on by the war between Russia and Ukraine has pushed several utility providers to transfer oil and fuel hikes to customers. The Jamaica Public Service Company is no exception already warning Jamaicans to brace for higher light bills and related costs. CEO of Consumers Intervention of Jamaica, CIJ an NGO advocating for consumer rights, Michael Diamond says consumers will have to cope given the external factors. Jamaica public service (JPS) is raising concern that rising fuel prices in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will affect its customers through hikes in electricity bills.
In a media release, Chief Financial Officer, Vernon Douglas is quoted saying, “we have to pay more to the fuel suppliers. We have no choice. Fuel makes up about half of customers’ electricity bills, so the changes from one month to the next can be quite significant.” CE0 Michael Diamond says this news has come at a time when consumer’s pockets are strained. JPS hopes the government will also suspend the fuel and electricity sales tax (gct) to ease the burden on consumers during this difficult time. Diamond too is suggesting that the government can create a cushion for more vulnerable consumers. Diamond is also calling for transparency from Petrojam, which supplies fuel to JPS. He asserts that its pricing mechanism needs to be clarified.
JPS says it is exploring all options to secure fuel to keep the lights on.
