PNP concerned about the energy sector

The People’s National Party is again expressing concern about the management of the energy portfolio.



The PNP says the Energy Minister, Clive Mullings, is yet to answer critical questions about the sector.



The party is questioning whether the government will be able to stick to its commitment to keep the price of E10 gasoline at two dollars below the price of regular gasoline without a government subsidy.



According to the party, sources have revealed that the cost of acquiring the ethanol for the E10 blend was at the heart of the disagreement that lead to the dismissal of Ian Moore as chairman of the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica, PCJ.



According to a release from the energy ministry yesterday, Mr Mullings was displeased with Mr Moore’s daily involvement in the operations of the PCJ.



Mr Mullings said that such involvement exceeded Mr Moore’s role as a non-executive chairman.



He says this led to a recent instance in which the PCJ was caused to incur liability without due authorization or approval of the board.



However, efforts to reach the energy minister for details on the transaction were unsuccessful.



The release however made it clear that there was no allegation of impropriety on the part of Mr Moore.



Meanwhile, the Energy Ministry has appointed, attorney-at-law, Katherine Phipps, to serve as interim chairman of the PCJ.