The Government began the phased introduction of E-10 gasoline service stations in Eastern and Central parishes on Saturday.

E-10 is a blend of 10% ethanol derived from sugar cane and 90% gasoline. The Ministry of Energy is promising that it will be about $2 cheaper per litre and more environmentally friendly.

"We have responded to the challenges of the time ... the Government has put out the E10 blend of gasoline through hard work, perseverance and commitment and it's a break now for the consumer to get ahead ... not only in terms of technology but also in the environment and your engines also to ease the pressure on the pocket," said Energy Minister Clive Mullings after the product was officially launched at the Petcom Portmore Service Station in St. Catherine.

Last week, the Minister met with industry stakeholders including gasoline retailers to fine tune plans for the introduction of E10. Mr. Mullings is assuring motorists that the newly introduced petrol is safe.

"The consumer has nothing to fear about the product and their engine and their vehicles, it's safe for their vehicles ... what they should do now is to ensure that they use the product and take advantage of the benefit that has been put out there for them," he said.

According to the Energy Minister, the Jamaican economy has been held victim by high oil prices for far too long and it's time to take control.

"It's something that will inure to the benefit of this country as we use things like sugar cane to build an industry and to grow our fuel," he added.