Durrant Pate/Contributor

The government is investing approximately US$15 million in critical infrastructure upgrades for Petrojam, as the administration positions the island’s sole oil refinery to support energy security, economic resilience, and Jamaica’s long-term development.

Energy Minister, Daryl Vaz, who made the announcement detailed the works being done, including electrical improvements, new storage capacity, the replacement and rehabilitation of two key furnaces to strengthen reliability and long-term performance. Additional works to be done comprise the construction of a new asphalt storage tank and pipeline installations at Berth 2 in Montego Bay.

In addition, a scheduled 90-day refinery turnaround will deliver key upgrades aimed at improving efficiency, reducing unplanned outages, and enhancing fuel quality. At the same time, an independent technical assessment is underway to evaluate long-term upgrade options, ensuring the refinery remains competitive as regional refining capacity declines.

Optimising Petrojam’s role

“Looking ahead, the government is actively exploring opportunities to further optimise Petrojam’s role through strategic partnerships, diversification, and potential public-private collaboration,” Vaz told the parliament, as he delivered his Sectoral Debate presentation this afternoon. This includes examining cleaner fuel options 11 such as LNG, expanding renewable integration within operations, and aligning with broader climate and sustainability goals.

Vaz described Petrojam as not just a refinery but a strategic national asset that must be leveraged wisely to support energy security, economic resilience, and Jamaica’s long-term development. For him, “there is no time more important than now to strategically position Petrojam within Jamaica’s energy future. As the only operational petroleum refinery in the region, Petrojam is a critical national asset with significant strategic value—not only for Jamaica, but for the wider Caribbean.”

He said Petrojam’s geographic location and refining capability provide a unique opportunity to strengthen the island’s energy security while expanding regional influence. 

This 2026/2027 financial year, Jamaica’s sole oil refinery is projecting total sales of 12.21 million barrels with 7.2 million barrels allocated to the domestic market and 4.9 million barrels for export. This dual role, the Minister explained, ensures reliable local supply while generating valuable foreign exchange earnings.