Petronas Makes Natural Gas Discovery Offshore Suriname

com reported. Suriname’s president said this week that the company is expected to reach a final investment decision on the development of Block 52 by the end of the year. Petronas has recorded eight successful exploration discoveries to date and unlocked more than one billion barrels of oil equivalent, its chief operating officer said at an industry event.

Three gas discoveries have already been made in Block 52, which Petronas operates. The Sloanea gas discovery in the block was declared commercial in November 2025. Petronas and state firm Staatsolie achieved the Declaration of Commerciality for the Sloanea field, marking Suriname’s first gas development.

TotalEnergies is developing a $10.5 billion oil project called GranMorgu in neighboring Block 58, with first oil expected in 2028. Suriname shares offshore geological properties with Guyana and aims to become a major hydrocarbon producer in South America by the end of the decade. Suriname’s oil minister Patrick Brunings said this week that further exploration progress holds additional surprises.

He added that substantial gas finds could support new industries including bauxite and petrochemicals.