The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries (MEEI) wishes to announce that development drilling targeting Natural Gas reserves in Central Block has resumed with the Carapal Ridge-3 Development Well. The last development well drilled in this block was in 2006. Dr the Honourable Roodal Moonilal, M.P., Minister of Energy and Energy Industries and the Honourable Ernesto Kesar, M.P., Minister in the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries extend congratulations to Touchstone Trinidad Central Block (Touchstone) on this significant milestone within our onshore province.

Touchstone operates Central Block under an Exploration and Production Licence following a successful transfer from Shell Trinidad Central Block Limited on 16 May 2025 and produces approximately 21 mmscf/d.

Since acquiring the block, Touchstone has evaluated the remaining resources resulting in their plans to drill four (4) development wells. Production from Carapal Ridge-3, the first well of this campaign, is expected in February 2026. Should all four (4) wells in this campaign be successful, production from Central Block is forecasted to exceed 50 mmscf/d.

Further, the MEEI in its thrust for accelerating activity in our energy sector, collaborated with Touchstone to facilitate the commencement of drilling operations three (3) weeks ahead of schedule.

These investments in drilling by Touchstone are welcomed as they aid in bringing much needed Natural Gas to market. The MEEI welcomes this renewed activity in our onshore natural gas fields and looks forward to further collaboration with all operators in revitalizing our energy sector to benefit the citizens of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Media Release- Development Drilling Resumes in Central Block after 19 years