The Jamaica Gasolene Retailers Association (JGRA) is calling on the Government and Petrojam to do whatever is necessary to rectify the current shortage of the recently launched E10 gasolene.

A release from the JGRA secretariat yesterday stated that the Petrojam Refinery has been finding it difficult to cope with the rising demands for the product. This, it said, has resulted in late deliveries and stock out for retailers.

"The retailers are peeved about this as it is impacting negatively on their operations," the release stated.

JGRA President Trevor Barnes said yesterday that, since the introduction of the product, dealers have been getting their deliveries late.

Not enough

"Petrojam has only two bays using to load the E10. But with the significant demand this is obviously not enough," he said. Barnes suggested that the oil refinery use its additional two bays to load the fuel.

He said that, especially with the onset of the festive season, concern has been mounting among gasolene retailers.

"Drivers have to line up at many gas stations from 4 a.m. to get E10, sometimes the lines are there way into the afternoon," he said.

Energy Minister Clive Mullings last week announced a significant increase in the demand for the E10 fuel.

He said that, with some 62 service stations providing the fuel, demand has grown to as much as 8,000 barrels per week.

Gas stations across the country have been asked to retail the product at $2 less that the regular 87 gasolene blend.