There have been almost 2,000 oil spills in Trinidad and Tobago over the last nine years.
The figure was shared by the Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Dr. Roodal Moonilal, as he highlighted the need to promote a revised National Oil Spill Contingency Plan.
Minister Moonilal said oil spills and leaks represent a significant percentage of the reportable incidents in the local oil and gas industry, and added that between 2016 and the first half of 2025, there were 1,858 oil spills, with 71% of them occurring on land.
“There were 51 spills in 2016, 302 spills in 2023, and 180 spills to June 2025. In total, 92,335 barrels were spilt. Heritage and its predecessor, Petrotrin, were responsible for 80% of the number of oil spills and 94% of the barrels of oil spilt.”
The Minister noted that the increase in the number of oil spills has a devastating effect on the local economy, land, and marine ecosystems.
“It is imperative to promote a revised National Oil Spill Contingency Plan. This initiative requires not only government action but also strong collaboration with industry stakeholders. There will be a reactivation of the National Oil Spill Contingency Committee with broad participation from relevant government agencies, industry, civil groups, the labour movement, etcetera, with a mandate to develop recommendations.”
Dr. Moonilal highlighted the Government’s progress on the initiative.
“We have already had discussions with the Honourable Attorney General for consideration to be given to the introduction of legislation to incorporate these conventions into national law.”