THE Department of Public Information (DPI) said the disclosure of 30-50 million cubic feet of natural gas per day in the Liza 1 is not reflective of the total volume of associated natural gas that coexists with oil in that well.

The DPI in a statement made note of this fact following publication of an article in Kaieteur News on January 5, 2018 titled “Guyana has 30-50 million cubic feet of natural gas”. The article utilised a quote from a letter issued by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, on January 4, 2018.

The DPI said that while the article aptly reiterated the position of the Government of Guyana and offered clarifications in response to claims, the Government wishes to further provide clarity to this headline.

It noted that the discovery of commercial quantities of oil and natural gas in the Stabroek Block, offshore Guyana in Liza 1, has created the potential for an additional resource to support development in Guyana, including the diversification of the energy mix.

“Thus, while the quantity has been quoted as 30-50 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, it must be emphasised that this quantity is not reflective of the total volume of associated natural gas that coexists with oil in Liza 1.

“Rather, this specific volume (30-50 mmcfd) has been identified as the potential maximum excess associated gas which may be used for onshore commercial purposes (post-reinjection allocation volumes), and which extraction shall not affect long term oil production and field enhancement plans,” the DPI said.

It pointed out that the volume quoted relates to Liza Phase 1 only and, therefore, there is the possibility of additional associated (or even non-associated) gas for further commercial use, as exploration continues in other blocks and fields.

“The Government of Guyana wishes to reiterate that work remains ongoing regarding this particular area, such that there is a sound pathway to efficient development of this resource. In this regard, there will be further information available publicly in due course,” the release concluded.