Downstream natural gas activities in Guyana will be regulated under a new Oil and Gas Operations Bill, Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall announced on day three of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo.
Nandlall was at the time delivering the keynote address, outlining the government’s plans to strengthen oversight of the country’s fast-growing energy sector.
“We also have an Oil and Gas Operation Bill that will deal with downstream activities of natural gas,” the minister stated.
He explained that the legislation comes as Guyana advances major gas infrastructure. “As you know, we are building that,” he said. “We have a gas to shore project that will be completed by the end of this year.”
The Gas-to-Energy (GtE) project, a collaboration between the government and ExxonMobil Guyana, aims to utilise natural gas from the offshore oil production for electricity generation and other industrial uses. The project involves transporting gas by pipeline to an onshore facility, where it will be processed into electricity and natural gas liquids (NGLs).
The GtE project, which will create the conditions for a 50% reduction in power costs, is expected to be completed in 2026.
The Bill has the potential govern downstream natural gas activities by setting clear rules for how gas is processed, transported, stored, and sold after production.
The legislation is expected to be tabled in the National Assembly this year. Nandlall said the new law is being crafted to align with international standards.
“Our legislative framework is not static,” Nandlall said. “It is subject to constant scrutiny.”
“Regulations that reflect global best practices and align with internationally recognized body laws and juridical and legal systems evolve in step with the highest standard of the international community,” he added.
The minister also outlined additional bills before Parliament. “We have right now in front a comprehensive Environmental Act,” he said. “We have in front a comprehensive, Solid – and of course – Liquid Waste Management Bill that will embrace the oil and gas sector”.
On day one of the conference, Josh Loftus, Director at EY Energy Markets Group, said Guyana’s natural gas is emerging as a long-term growth engine, but financing for major projects will depend on early commercial decisions and strong contractual clarity.
According to Loftus, a central finding is that natural gas projects require earlier and clearer strategic decisions than oil projects.
