The Editor, Sir:

I have a question to ask either the minister of mining and energy or the Petrojam Corporation or, perhaps, both.

I have been informed by those more qualified than I that the first product of the process of distillation of crude oil and, thereby, the least expensive, is diesel fuel. Surprisingly, however, this product is, by far, more expensive at the pump than 90 Octane gasolene, which is the final and most expensive on the distillation run.

Wronged route

Diesel fuel used to be the cheapest at the pump until demand in the USA motivated increased prices - a move that appears far removed from cost of production. It is to be noted that Jamaica soon followed suit, despite the fact that Petrojam, in a campaign earlier on, sought to encourage the purchase of 'diesel engine' motor vehicles as a way of dealing with rising oil prices.

The fact that Jamaica has joined the USA in what appears to be the wronged route of exploitation does not make it right in the eyes of the consumer. Can either the minister or Petrojam justify the increases!

I am, etc.,

HW SHARP

farms@cwjamaica.com