PARAMARIBO, (Reuters) – Suriname’s state-run oil company Staatsolie said today that U.S. oil giant ExxonMobil has withdrawn from its offshore block 52, and block operator Petronas Suriname E&P will take over its 50% stake.
“The withdrawal is part of the ongoing evaluation of assets in ExxonMobil’s global portfolio,” Staatsolie said in a statement, adding the withdrawal was effective as of November 14.
“Operations in Block 52 will continue unchanged,” Staatsolie said, adding it is confident its good partnership with Petronas will continue.
An initial gas discovery in the block off Suriname’s northern coast was made in 2020 and a second well was drilled earlier this year.
Exxon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.