Suriname's Oil and Gas Downstream: South America's Next Powerhouse
Discover Suriname’s energy potential: $10.5B in confirmed upstream investment by TotalEnergies and APA Corporation in Block 58, with over 750M recoverable barrels from the GranMorgu Project. Peak production is targeted at 220K barrels per day by 2028, with a total estimated resource of 6.5B barrels. [mfn] Total Energies [/mfn]
Why Invest in Suriname's Oil & Gas Downstream Sector?
A $10.5 billion development commitment. 750 million recoverable barrels. [mfn] Total Energies [/mfn] First oil in 2028. Suriname's downstream sector is open for investment. The opportunity is rip now. By 2028 the window will narrow.
The Largest Untapped Downstream Feedstock in the Atlantic
The GranMorgu project alone targets over 750 million recoverable barrels, with Block 58 estimated to hold 6.5 billion barrels in total. [mfn] Total Energies [/mfn] This is not a marginal play — it is a generational resource base that guarantees low-cost, long-term feedstock for any downstream facility built in Suriname.
Exisiting Infrastructure
Staatsolie's Tout Lui Faut refinery already operates at 15,000 bpd, producing 3.1 million barrels of diesel and gasoline annually. [mfn] Staatsolie [/mfn] This existing infrastructure — combined with Staatsolie's operational excellence and its 32% contribution to government revenue — provides investors with a ready-made platform, a trusted partner, and a dramatically reduced greenfield risk.
Cost Efficient Market
With minimum wage at $1.40 per hour [mfn] Ministry of Labour [/mfn], Suriname offers cost competitive salary levels in comparison to both regional competitors and other Dutch-speaking nations.
Strategic Location
Suriname sits at the crossroads of Caribbean, South American, and Atlantic shipping lanes. The Caribbean region is structurally dependent on imported petroleum products. Suriname is positioned to become the region's primary domestic supplier — eliminating import dependency and capturing premium pricing. Government investment in dredging the Suriname River further enhances port access at Paramaribo and Paranam.
Time Zone Advantage
GMT-3 facilitates real-time collaboration with Europe, North America, CARICOM and South America.
Stable Investment Climate
Suriname successfully completed its first-ever IMF Extended Fund Facility program in March 2025 — a landmark achievement. Inflation has dropped from a peak of 60% to below 20%. GDP growth is forecast at 3.7% for 2026, accelerating sharply as oil production commences. [mfn] IMF [/mfn] The government offers clear Production Sharing Contracts through Staatsolie and a dedicated one-stop-shop for investors via SITA.
Gas Monetisation
The commercialisation of the Sloanea gas discovery in Block 52 opens an entirely new investment dimension. Suriname has the potential to develop the region's first floating LNG facility, alongside gas-to-liquids and petrochemical projects. These opportunities represent value-added processing that multiplies the return on the underlying resource base.
Data-Backed. Undeniable.
32%
of Government Revenue
[mfn] Staatsolie [/mfn] contribution, 2025
9%
$387M
3.1M
Domestic Demand
Oil End-Use by Sector
35% of oil powers electricity generation, 25% fuels transport. The downstream sector underpins every aspect of Suriname's economy — and demand is growing.
35%
Power Generation
25%
Transportation
40%
Other Sectors
Key Investment Opportunities of the Oil & Gas Sector
Refinery Expansion
Partner with Staatsolie to expand the Tout Lui Faut refinery beyond 15,000 bpd. Guaranteed feedstock. Proven operations. Established market.
Floating LNG
Develop Suriname's first FLNG facility using the Sloanea gas discovery in Block 52 — a regional first that creates an entirely new export market.
Petrochemicals
Gas-to-liquids and petrochemical processing opportunities that add significant value to the resource base and diversify revenue streams.
Logistics & Storage
As production scales up, there is potential for expanded storage terminals, bunkering facilities, and hydrocarbons logistics services along the Suriname River to facilitate efficient handling, blending, and export of refined products.
Derivatives Manufacturing
Longer-term downstream growth could include establishing plants that convert refined products into higher-value petrochemicals, lubricants, plastics, or specialty fuels for export.
A Government That Needs You to Succeed
Suriname's government is not a passive bystander. It has a direct financial interest in the success of downstream investment — because every barrel processed in Suriname generates tax revenue, employment, and economic diversification that the country urgently needs.
This alignment of interests between investor and government is rare. It means faster approvals, stronger partnership, and a regulatory environment designed to make projects succeed.
Production Sharing Contracts
Clear, non-discriminatory PSC framework through Staatsolie — the same model that attracted TotalEnergies and APA Corporation.
SITA One-Stop Shop
The Suriname Investment and Trade Agency provides dedicated facilitation, cutting bureaucracy and accelerating project timelines.
IMF-Backed Stability
Suriname's first-ever completed IMF EFF programme (March 2025) has restored macroeconomic credibility and fiscal discipline.
Strong State Partner
Staatsolie's 9% GDP contribution and $387M annual state revenue demonstrate the operational and financial strength of your key partner.
We Provide an Enabling Environment to Grow Your Business
Suriname is committed to building a thriving oil and gas downstream sector with investor-friendly benefits.
Tax Holiday
Up to 9 Years Corporate Tax Exemption
Qualifying investments receive full corporate income tax exemption for up to 9 years, with extended potential for large-scale projects.
Accelerated Depreciation
Fast-Track Asset Recovery
Expedited asset depreciation schedules for qualified equipment and infrastructure, significantly improving investment returns.
Competitive Trade Agreements
Access Global Markets
Stradling two geographic regions, Suriname is a member state of CARICOM and Association of Caribbean States, and an associate country of MERCOSUR.
Robust Regulatory Oversight
Full Import Duty Waivers
Complete exemptions on import duties for qualified capital equipment, machinery, and raw materials used in approved manufacturing operations.
How SITA Supports Investors
Your single point of contact from concept to implementation
Market Intelligence
Sector insights, demand trends, and investor-ready opportunities.
Facilitation
Introductions to stakeholders, permits guidance, and process support.
Local Linkages
Connections to operators, suppliers, communities, and partners.
Incentives Guidance
Support with eligibility and government incentive navigation.
Aftercare Support
Ongoing assistance ensuring long- term operational success.
Ready to ExploreOil & Gas Downstream Investments in Suriname?
Let's discuss your concept, timeline, and the best market entry path for your business