NEWS

Following notification of a social media post made via a local media outlet’s channel on 4 June 2022, where an anonymous member of the public alleged a fuel quality issue at the BarCam Esso gas station, OfReg initiated an immediate, same-day, investigation.

After contacting the retailer, who confirmed no direct complaint was made to them, a team from OfReg visited the gas station within an hour of becoming aware of the matter and obtained gasoline and diesel samples from the tanks and nozzles for observation and testing. The team also checked the dispensers for any defects which could contribute to product quality issues. 

The checks which were carried out included a visual “clear and bright” check, and the Octane and Cetane were tested for the gasoline and diesel respectively. Samples were taken from the area of the tank which is designed in such a way that any water or settlement in the tank can be easily detected. The visual test results showed that all samples were clear and bright and that there was no indication of water, sediment/particles, discoloration, or cloudiness present. 

The results of the octane levels for the regular and Premium gasoline obtained were 91.7 and 93.7 respectively on the Octane Index (OI) after repeated tests. Diesel Cetane results were 43.7 Cetane after repeated tests. Both gasoline and diesel test results were above the minimum globally accepted standards.

Additional samples from the gas station and from the bulk storage tank at the respective Jackson Point terminal were collected for further testing overseas at an accredited lab. OfReg will publish the results when they become available in approximately 2-3 weeks.

Mr. Peter Gough, Chief Executive Officer, OfReg said: “OfReg is committed to protecting consumers in all utility areas that it regulates and this includes regular monitoring and inspection of fuels in Cayman.

Fuel quality is regulated in Cayman in line with global standards and begins at the refinery, with fuel importers required to analyse and present a certificate of quality for all fuels prior to importing. To ensure the accredited quality of fuel is preserved as the fuel moves through the local supply chain, OfReg carries out tests on octane, cetane and ethanol blend in fuels on a random basis. These checks also look for any evidence of contamination or tampering of any kind.

As part of our remit, OfReg continuously aims to improve fuel quality standards and is actively working to procure more equipment to allow us to conduct even more frequent analysis of fuels on a broader range of quality parameters. We expect to put this new equipment into use later in 2022.” 

Members of the public can submit formal complaints to OfReg by email at complaints@OfReg.ky or by calling the 345-946-4282. Further information on the complaints process can be viewed at https://ofreg.ky/how-to-make-a-complaint. All complaints are treated in the strictest confidence.

-ENDS-

ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR EDITORS:

For reference, the acceptable Octane Rating for the various grades of gasoline as adopted in Cayman and globally are as follows:
• Regular Gasoline – Octane Index: 87- 88
• Mid-Grade/Super – Octane Index: 89 – 90
• Premium – Octane Index: 91 – 94
For diesel, the global standard for Cetane Number is 40 minimum.

ABOUT OFREG
The Utility Regulation and Competition Office ('OfReg' or the 'Office') is the independent regulator established by section 4 of the Utility Regulation and Competition Act (as revised) (the 'URC Act') for the electricity, information, and communications technology, water, wastewater, and fuel sectors in the Cayman Islands.

OfReg provides the opportunity for consistency and collaboration in regulation across the energy, fuel, ICT, and water sectors; better utilisation of skills and resources resulting in more efficient and effective regulatory processes; encouraging competition where appropriate and feasible; championing sustainability and innovation across markets, contributing to the economic and social goals of the Cayman Islands.

For more information, please contact OfReg’s Media Contact:

Daniel Lee
Manager - Consumer Affairs & Public Education
Daniel.Lee@OfReg.ky
Telephone number 746 9614