PETRONAS has made another gas discovery at offshore Block 52 in Suriname, further strengthening its position in one of South America’s emerging energy hotspots.
Suriname President Jennifer Simons announced the latest find during an energy conference on Tuesday, describing it as a development that could support multiple oil and gas projects in the country.
The discovery adds to a series of successful exploration efforts by the Malaysian energy company in the block, where it is expected to make a final investment decision this year on the commercial development of its Sloanea gas discovery.
PETRONAS Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Upstream Mohd Jukris Abdul Wahab said the company has now recorded eight successful discoveries in Block 52.
“To date, we have made eight successful exploration discoveries, unlocking over more than one billion barrels of oil equivalent, while continuing advancing lower-carbon solutions, safe operations and investment in people, technology and capability to create long-term value for the country,” he said during the conference.
He added that Block 52 sits within the highly prospective “Golden Lane” corridor, an area attracting increasing interest from global energy players.
The latest discovery comes as Suriname seeks to emulate neighbouring Guyana’s rapid rise as a major offshore oil producer. The country’s first offshore production project, led by French energy giant TotalEnergies, is expected to begin operations in 2028.
Suriname’s state-owned energy company Staatsolie is also conducting an open-door licensing round covering more than 70,000 sq km across five offshore sectors to attract additional investment.
Oil Minister Patrick Brunings said further exploration activity could unlock opportunities beyond exports, including supporting domestic industries such as petrochemicals and bauxite processing, while positioning Suriname as a future supplier of natural gas to international markets.
Reuters
