Since the escalation of conflict in the Middle East and the disruption to global oil supply routes, Jamaica has been facing higher fuel costs. Yesterday, I received a report from the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Energy, and Petrojam on the impact these rising prices are having on our country and the measures being taken to manage them. To help reduce the burden on Jamaicans, the Government has been limiting fuel increases while absorbing a significant portion of the cost. Petrojam has continued purchasing fuel at high international prices, while working to cushion the impact on consumers and protect families and businesses from sudden price shocks. These efforts have come at a significant cost, and while we will continue to do our best to manage the situation, every Jamaican must also play a role by thinking carefully about energy use and fuel consumption. Conservation and responsible use of energy will remain important as we navigate this global fuel challenge together.(Andrew Holness)