Trinidad energy ministers welcome successful gas discovery in Central Block

Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal and Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries Ernesto Kesar have welcomed a successful development drilling operation by Touchstone Trinidad in the onshore Central Block, calling it an important boost for the country’s energy sector.

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The discovery was made at the Carapal Ridge-3 Development Well, the first drilling activity in the Central Block in nearly 20 years. The last onshore well in the area was drilled in 2006.

According to information released on January 7, the well was drilled to a depth of approximately 8,200 feet, successfully penetrating the targeted Herrera sands, which were confirmed to be gas-bearing. Completion and testing of the sands are currently under way, with production expected to be tied into the Central Block gas processing facility in the first quarter of 2026.

In addition to the primary discovery, the well also encountered gas-charged Karamat sands. These are now being assessed as a separate prospect for possible future development.

Touchstone acquired the Central Block in May 2025 and has since undertaken a detailed evaluation of the area’s remaining resources. That assessment led to the decision to drill Carapal Ridge-3. The company is now reviewing three additional development drilling opportunities, applying insights gained from the initial well.

The energy ministers said the successful drilling effort supports the government’s priority of increasing natural gas supply and bringing new production to market, particularly at a time when additional gas is critical to sustaining Trinidad and Tobago’s energy and industrial sectors.