Wayne Lumbasi
Trinidad and Tobago is sharpening its focus on production growth as Energy Minister Ernesto Kesar prepares to participate in Caribbean Energy Week 2026, highlighting a surge in upstream activity measured not only in investment but in tangible output gains.
At the center of this renewed momentum is a clear push to increase barrels per day and gas volumes, reinforcing the country’s role as a leading energy producer in the Caribbean. With several projects coming online, the government is working to reverse years of declining output and stabilize long term supply.
One of the most significant developments is the bpTT led Cypregas project, which achieved first gas in April 2025. The project is expected to deliver peak production of approximately 45,000 barrels per day equivalent, translating into about 250 million standard cubic feet of gas daily. This output represents a major boost to national production levels and plays a critical role in sustaining liquefied natural gas exports.
Further strengthening production, bpTT in partnership with EOG Resources brought the Mento field online in 2025. The offshore development, built around a 12 slot facility, is designed to deliver consistent volumes and improve efficiency across existing infrastructure, contributing additional barrels and gas supply into the system.
Looking ahead, bp’s Ginger gas project is projected to add even more volume, with expected production capacity of around 62,000 barrels per day equivalent once it comes online in 2027. The development will tie four subsea wells into the Mahogany B platform, maximizing output while minimizing costs through the use of existing facilities.
Exploration success is also expected to translate into future barrels. The Frangipani well discovery, which identified multiple stacked gas reservoirs, points to the potential for sustained increases in production over the coming years as these resources are developed and brought into operation.
Beyond individual projects, the country is targeting a broader increase in reserves and output. The awarding of an ultra deepwater block to ExxonMobil in 2025 could unlock significant new production streams. If successfully developed, the block has the potential to contribute substantial barrels per day over time while attracting up to 20 billion dollars in investment.
Regionally, Trinidad and Tobago is also leveraging cross border gas opportunities to maintain and grow output. Collaboration with Venezuela, including development of the Dragon gas field, is expected to introduce additional gas volumes into the country’s processing system. This will help sustain production levels and ensure continued export capacity even as domestic reserves mature.
Efforts to restart the Pointe a Pierre refinery, previously operated by Petrotrin, could further strengthen the value chain by increasing refining capacity for crude and petroleum products. If revived, the facility would support higher throughput and better utilization of produced barrels within the region.
As Caribbean Energy Week 2026 approaches, production figures and output capacity are expected to dominate discussions. Minister Kesar’s participation underscores a clear national objective, not just attracting investment, but converting it into measurable increases in barrels per day, gas supply, and long term energy security.
With multiple projects delivering new volumes and more developments on the horizon, Trinidad and Tobago is positioning itself to sustain and potentially expand its production profile, reinforcing its status as a key energy hub in the Caribbean.
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