Guyana has made clear it will not rule out any form of gas development — including liquefied natural gas (LNG), onshore processing, or export options — even as ExxonMobil’s Longtail project takes shape. Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said the government remains committed to monetizing its gas reserves in the most beneficial way for the nation.
Strategic Flexibility at the Core
At a recent press briefing, Jagdeo emphasized that no gas development method is off the table. While Exxon has recently spoken of delaying or deprioritizing LNG plans, Jagdeo insisted Guyana would decide the strategy — not Exxon alone. He noted that if Exxon declines to progress gas monetization in certain discoveries (such as Haimara or Pluma), the government is ready to solicit other contractors.
His remarks reaffirm that LNG remains a key option. He argued that floating LNG infrastructure might be faster to deploy than large onshore facilities, making it a viable route for early revenue capture.
Longtail and Exxon’s Gas Role
Exxon’s Longtail project, slated as its first non-associated gas development in the prolific Stabroek Block, is designed to produce up to 1.5 billion cubic feet per day of gas and 290,000 barrels per day of condensate via a floating production facility capable of exports.
The consortium, which includes Exxon, Hess (now Chevron in part), and CNOOC, has already applied for environmental permits and plans to finalize approvals in 2026, targeting a 2030 startup.
Although Exxon has indicated that it is not currently pushing to liquefy gas, it is working with Guyana to prioritize onshore gas use (in power, industrial, data centers) where those values may be higher.
Why Guyana Keeps All Options
Revenue urgency and timing. Guyana’s leadership wants a gas revenue stream as soon as feasible rather than locking into one path and facing long delays. Jagdeo has stressed the importance of generating returns early.
Economic and technical uncertainty. The comparative economics of LNG versus domestic gas use are complex. Building liquefaction plants or pipelines is capital-intensive and sensitive to global gas markets. The government is positioning itself to evaluate which option delivers the most net benefit.
Negotiating leverage. By not excluding proposals or actors, Guyana strengthens its bargaining power. The state wants to ensure gas becomes a national asset, not a corporate shortcut.
Impacts for Guyana & Industry Stakeholders
For Guyana, maintaining flexibility allows the state to retain control over its energy future, accelerate cash flows, and potentially use gas for local power, petrochemical, or industrial growth rather than purely export.
For Exxon and its partners, the challenge will be to refine a coherent gas commercialization plan responsive to changing conditions, balancing export ambitions with local demand. Other gas developers may find opportunity if Exxon steps back on certain discoveries.
Regionally, Guyana’s success could shift power in Caribbean and South American gas markets, competing with incumbent LNG exporters. It also invites heightened scrutiny on environmental and social impacts, especially if gas becomes a major new fossil fuel pathway.
By staying open to all credible development options, Guyana is signaling that it intends to maximize value while maintaining control over its resource destiny. As Longtail advances, the evolving alignment between government policy, Exxon’s strategy, and other players will test whether Guyana becomes a gas-exporter, a regional energy hub, or a gas-fueled industrializing nation.
As Editor in Chief of The Maritime, I lead content development, interviews, and digital storytelling across our multimedia maritime platform. With over 10 years of experience in the maritime industry, I create and publish in-depth stories and video features that highlight key players, emerging trends, and operational realities across global shipping. Before launching The Maritime, I worked as a Vessel Operator at Imza Marine A.S., gaining hands-on commercial shipping and voyage operations experience. I also served as Marketing Communications Specialist at Gimas Ship Supply & Services, where I managed corporate communication, digital strategy, and industry outreach for shipowners and maritime clients. I hold a Master’s degree in Maritime Transportation Management from Istanbul Technical University and a Master’s degree in Publishing from Marmara University. My work is driven by the belief that the maritime world deserves strong, informed, and accessible media representation. I am committed to sharing the stories of maritime professionals and contributing to the sector’s visibility, knowledge exchange, and future development.
