Oil and Gas Take Center Stage as Elections Loom
By Antonio Dey, HGP Nightly News
Guyana’s oil and gas sector remains at the forefront of political debate as parties outline competing visions for the industry’s future. Oil accounted for 77% of Guyana’s output in 2024, cementing its role as the dominant driver of the economy.
Aubrey Norton, presidential candidate for A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), said a coalition government under his leadership would establish an independent petroleum commission. He emphasized that the body would be staffed with competent professionals to manage the sector efficiently and free from political interference.
Meanwhile, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), launching its manifesto on Monday at the Pegasus Hotel, projected that Guyana’s production could reach 1.7 million barrels per day by 2030, driven by eight major developments. President Irfaan Ali touted the government’s commitment to advancing exploration, conducting more block auctions, and finalizing seismic surveys and new production agreements.
Ali also stressed the importance of preparing Guyanese youth to seize opportunities in the highly competitive industry.
“The only country with experience of doing it in deep water now is Guyana. We must prepare our workforce to be the first call for those opportunities when they come,” Ali said.
At the same time, questions remain over the government’s Gas-to-Shore project, which has missed critical deadlines. Norton argued that delays could push costs higher, undermining the project’s stated goal of cutting electricity bills by 50%.
As the 2025 elections draw closer, both parties are making big bets on oil — one promising transparency through institutional reform, the other banking on rapid expansion to secure Guyana’s place as a global energy leader.
