The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries has announced that development drilling targeting natural gas reserves in Central Block has resumed after 19 years, with operations beginning on the Carapal Ridge-3 Development Well. The last development well drilled in the block was completed in 2006.
Energy Minister Dr. Roodal Moonilal and Minister in the Ministry Ernesto Kesar congratulated Touchstone Trinidad Central Block on reaching this milestone in the country’s onshore province.
Touchstone operates Central Block under an Exploration and Production Licence following a successful transfer from Shell Trinidad Central Block Limited on May 16, 2025. The block currently produces approximately 21 million standard cubic feet per day of natural gas.
Since acquiring the block, Touchstone has evaluated remaining resources and developed plans to drill four development wells. Production from Carapal Ridge-3, the first well in this campaign, is expected to begin in February 2026.
If all four wells in the campaign prove successful, production from Central Block is forecast to exceed 50 million standard cubic feet per day, more than doubling current output.
The Ministry said it collaborated with Touchstone in its efforts to accelerate activity in the energy sector, facilitating the commencement of drilling operations three weeks ahead of schedule.
The Ministry welcomed Touchstone’s drilling investments, noting they will help bring much-needed natural gas to market. Officials said they look forward to further collaboration with all operators in revitalizing the energy sector to benefit Trinidad and Tobago’s citizens.