Jamaica refinery to offer only ethanol-based fuel

KINGSTON, Jamaica -- Jamaica's sole refinery will distribute only ethanol-based fuel starting in November.

Energy Minister James Robertson says producing only E10 fuel will cut costs and help the environment. Petrojam's Kingston refinery began producing ethanol fuel last November.

Managing Director Winston Watson said this week that the 10-percent ethanol blend already accounts for 46 percent of the company's sales.

The refinery is undergoing a $720 million renovation that is expected to increase capacity by 40 percent. Its nominal capacity is 35,000 barrels a day with average production ranging up to 30,000 barrels.

Petrojam's two refineries provide all the petroleum for the island's 2.8 million people.

Source: forbes