The Government may have to look at policies to limit movement in Jamaica, due to the pressure of global oil price increases.

Energy Minister Daryl Vaz made the disclosure during a post-Cabinet briefing this morning, as he sought to update the Middle East war’s financial impact on Petrojam.

He explained that Jamaica continues to experience weekly increases in fuel prices driven by upward movements in the United States Gulf coast benchmark, which is the primary reference for refined petroleum products in the region.

Mr. Vaz said between March 12 and April 8, the full increase in transported fuel prices averaged approximately Jamaican $49.20 per litre.

However, he said only $18 per litre was passed on to consumers based on the Government’s pricing cap at $4.50 per litre per week up or down.

He said up to J$1.4 billion was absorbed, reducing the impact on consumers.

The Energy Minister noted that while the current mechanism has been effective, it resulted in growing fiscal pressure and particularly if elevated prices persist.

He explained that using the current pricing mechanism up to June 2026, will cost the Government $11.8 billion.

This, he said is unaffordable, unsuitable and is two-thirds of this budget year’s revenue measure.

As a result, Mr. Vaz noted that the Government has considered a revised new tiered pricing mechanism.

He is urging Jamaicans to conserve, while the Government will deliberate on measures to limit movement to reduce the use of fuel.