THE Ministry of Natural Resources has firmly rebutted recent claims made by Kaieteur News regarding the status of the final audit report on ExxonMobil’s US$7.3 billion Stabroek Block expenses, covering the years 2018 to 2020.

In its May 16, 2025 edition, Kaieteur News published an article titled “Mystery over final report of ExxonM’s US$7.3 billion audit,” suggesting that the document containing the findings of VHE Consulting’s audit is not, in fact, the final report.

The ministry, in a statement, categorically rejected this assertion, clarifying that the final audit report is publicly available for review on its official website at https://petroleum.gov.gy. Additionally, the report has been shared with ExxonMobil Guyana Limited and its partners, who are currently reviewing and preparing their responses.

According to the ministry, the audit team verified that, apart from disputed recoverable costs amounting to US$65,193,546.93, Guyana received its rightful share of profit oil during the review period. The auditors also confirmed that the calculation of cost recovery by the Stabroek Block partners adhered to the stipulations of the production sharing agreement.

The ministry criticised Kaieteur News for what it described as a pattern of sensationalism and misinformation, questioning the publication’s expertise in forensic auditing and its understanding of the oil and gas sector.

The ministry noted that this is not an isolated incident, highlighting that it has had to address at least five instances in the past eight days where Kaieteur News allegedly presented falsehoods as credible journalism.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the ministry pledged to continue countering misinformation and ensuring that the public remains accurately informed about the management of Guyana’s oil resources.

The ministry encouraged citizens to consult official sources for factual information and reiterated its dedication to upholding the highest standards of governance in the nation’s burgeoning oil sector.