Touchstone advances Central strategy
Canadian independent’s evolving portfolio in Trinidad and Tobago gives it access to the Atlantic LNG market and a close-up view of developments in neighbouring Venezuela
The first new well to be drilled in Trinidad and Tobago’s onshore Central block for nearly two decades is expected to see first gas production shortly as the property’s new owner, Canadian independent Touchstone Exploration, targets the Atlantic LNG market, as well as strong demand from the Caribbean country’s petrochemicals sector. Touchstone acquired a 65% interest in the Central block exploration and production licence from Shell for about $28m in May 2025. The Calgary-based firm has wasted no time in developing an asset which its CEO, Paul Baay, described as a “game changer” for the firm he founded 15 years ago to focus solely on Trinidad’s onshore oil and gas sector. Production from Ce
Also in this section
11 March 2026
Missiles over Dubai and disruption in Hormuz are testing the emirate’s reputation—and shaking the energy hub at the centre of the Gulf economy
11 March 2026
De la Rey Venter, CEO of LNG player MidOcean Energy, discusses strategy, project developments and the prospects for the LNG market
10 March 2026
From Venezuela to Hormuz, the US—backed by the most powerful military force ever assembled—is redrawing not only oil and gas flows but also the global balance of energy power
10 March 2026
By shutting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has cut exports of distillate-rich Middle Eastern crude, jet fuel and diesel, and is holding the energy market hostage






