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Guyana is exploring a strategic plan to export its crude oil to the United States for refining, with the aim of importing fuel for domestic use and potential regional distribution, President Irfaan Ali announced at the CERAWeek conference in Houston, Texas.
This move comes as the country continues to experience one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, fueled by soaring oil production from offshore fields -the Stabroek Block, operated by US oil giant ExxonMobil.
According to a Reuters report on Wednesday, during his address at the prestigious energy forum, President Ali highlighted that while Guyana currently exports its share of profit oil through trading firms—primarily to European markets—the country does not yet have refining capabilities. However, discussions are ongoing with private companies and the Dominican Republic regarding the construction of a small refinery to address this gap.
Guyana’s oil production began on December 20, 2019, and has since propelled the nation into a major oil-producing country. ExxonMobil, through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), holds a 45 percent stake in the Stabroek Block, while Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited own 30 percent and 25 percent, respectively.
During his address, Reuters quoted President Ali as reiterating Guyana’s commitment to regional stability amid ongoing tensions with neighboring Venezuela over the disputed Essequibo region. The territorial claim, which spans 160,000 square kilometers, is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
“We just ask that Venezuela respect the ICJ and the rule of law,” Ali is quoted by Reuters as saying, emphasizing, reaffirming Guyana’s stance on upholding international legal mechanisms.
The government’s consideration of refining crude oil in the U.S. aligns with its broader strategy to enhance energy security, reduce costs, and create a more sustainable fuel supply for both Guyana and its regional partners.
In February, during the opening of the 2025 Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, President Ali announced a new fuel terminal infrastructure project in partnership with Curlew Midstream.
Curlew Midstream, a United States-based energy infrastructure provider headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, operates terminal facilities in South Louisiana, and will play a key role in facilitating fuel trade between the United States and Guyana.
The Head of State underscored the transformative impact of the agreement, which will move Guyana towards becoming “energy independent”.
“The agreement between the Government of Guyana and Curlew Midstream would enable Guyana to execute trading agreements for United States-refined fuels to be stored in a state of-the-art, local fuel storage facility that will initially house 750,000 barrels of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and heavy fuel oil.
Similar sentiments were echoed by Curlew Midstream, who shared via release that the initiative is expected to drive down wholesale and retail fuel costs, and reducing transportation expenses for goods moving by air, road, and river.
“When operational, the facility will supply not only Guyana with 100 per cent of its domestic refined fuel needs, but will also enable Guyana to export the highest quality, non-sanctioned fuels to its sister CARICOM nations,” the US company said in a release.
