Guyana's governance gap
The oil-rich country is the world's biggest new deep-water play. But can the government develop a transparent energy policy?
Guyana's offshore seems like the gift that keeps on giving for ExxonMobil and its partners—estimated resources from nine deep-water exploration finds there have added roughly 4bn bl of oil equivalent (oe) in reserves, with the recent Hammerhead find yet to be accounted. The discoveries are expected to generate an estimated $15bn in annual revenues in the country, according to consultancy Rystad Energy, but the government's ability to manage the coming tidal wave of funds is worrying energy investors whose interests were piqued by ExxonMobil's success. The country has many examples from which to draw in avoiding the so-called "resource curse"—notably the economic collapse of its western neigh
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub
