Suriname election soothes investor nerves
Calmer political waters should help turn the country into a global exploration hotspot
The small Latin American nation of Suriname is poised for profound change. Revenues from major offshore oil discoveries announced this year could transform the country’s long-term economic prospects. And, following the resolution of an election deadlock, a new coalition government has finally wrenched power from strongman president Desi Bouterse after a decade at the helm. The relative political stability is good news for investors and progress on existing oil ventures. In July, US independent operator Apache made its third oil find of the year in block 58. Incoming president Chandrikapersad Santokhi has promised to honour existing contracts and remains supportive of the oil sector. “We expe
Also in this section
16 January 2026
The country’s global energy importance and domestic political fate are interlocked, highlighting its outsized oil and gas powers, and the heightened fallout risk
16 January 2026
The global maritime oil transport sector enters 2026 facing a rare convergence of crude oversupply, record newbuild deliveries and the potential easing of several geopolitical disruptions that have shaped trade flows since 2022
15 January 2026
Rebuilding industry, energy dominance and lower energy costs are key goals that remain at odds in 2026
14 January 2026
Chavez’s socialist reforms boosted state control but pushed knowledge and capital out of the sector, opening the way for the US shale revolution
