Petrojam diesel pricing, Hurricane Melissa relief and Diaspora Conference plans lead JIS updates

The June 11 edition of JIS Magazine highlighted several national developments, including Petrojam’s new pricing approach for diesel, Government spending after Hurricane Melissa, justice-sector projects and preparations for the 11th biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference.

Petrojam said it has adjusted its pricing system for automotive diesel oil and ultra-low sulphur diesel because of sharp swings in the global energy market. The company linked rising oil prices to the US-Israel war on Iran, which began in late February 2026. Under the new structure, diesel price movements will be capped at $12.50 per litre, up from the previous $4.50 cap. Ultra-low sulphur diesel rose by $12.50, automotive diesel by $10.50 and kerosene by $4.50, while 87 and 90 gasoline, propane and butane fell by 25 to 98 cents per litre.

Finance Minister Fayval Williams defended the transfer of $500 million from the Financial Services Commission’s reserves, saying the decision followed a review of the regulator’s finances and would not threaten its viability. The issue was raised after the FSC reported earlier surplus figures but later disclosed losses above $500 million while seeking revised insurance fees.

Labour and Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. said more than $10 billion has been spent on disaster relief since Hurricane Melissa, including more than $9.5 billion under the roofs programme and $152 million channelled through UNICEF for PATH households and persons with disabilities. The ministry has also launched the Humanitarian Assistance Relief Platform to verify applicants and coordinate phase two payments.

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck said new courthouses are planned for St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, St. Ann and Trelawny, with other works involving St. Thomas, Manchester, St. Catherine, Hanover, Portland, Clarendon, Linstead, Santa Cruz and courts in Kingston and St. Andrew. He also said Government wants to unlock nearly $50 billion in estates where persons died without wills.

The programme also previewed the June 14 to 18 Diaspora Conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, where State Minister Alando Terrelonge said Jamaicans overseas and friends of Jamaica would be engaged as partners in rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa. The edition further explained Met Office watches and warnings for floods, tropical storms and hurricanes, urging residents to monitor advisories and prepare early.