Petrojam may rethink crude oil sourcing if Jamaica strikes oil

October 22, 2026

If oil in commercial quantities is discovered in Jamaican waters, this could prompt the island’s refinery, Petrojam, to rethink where it sources the crude oil used in its operations.

The refinery’s Communications Manager Elon Parkinson says a commercial discovery could have implications for its existing import arrangements.

He explains that the refinery would have to consider sourcing crude oil locally, rather than solely relying on overseas suppliers.

However, Mr. Parkinson notes that any such change, would depend on Jamaica discovering commercially viable oil.

He says that process could take years, should exploration proceed.

Offshore drilling is projected to begin in late 2027 or early 2028, subject to funding, commercial agreements and regulatory approvals.

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United Oil and Gas has completed a study assessing the requirements for potential oil exploration, offshore Jamaica.

The company said the study identified ten potential drilling rigs and provides prospective partners with practical information on how a drilling campaign could be carried out.

However, United Oil and Gas stressed that the study does not represent a commitment to begin drilling.

The company said its immediate priority is to conclude discussions with potential partners who could help advance and finance the project.

It noted that while the findings support further exploration planning, the presence of commercially recoverable oil off Jamaica’s coast has yet to be confirmed.