Touchstone Exploration has advanced its position in Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector with the successful integration and ongoing development of the Central Block asset, now named Touchstone Trinidad Central Block.
The project, located onshore, encompasses four producing natural gas wells and a gas processing facility, securing its role as a cornerstone for Touchstone’s expanding Trinidadian operations.
The company completed its acquisition of the block from BG Overseas Holdings, previously operating as Shell Trinidad Central Block, on May 16, 2025, through its wholly owned Trinidadian subsidiary for a cash consideration of US$23 million.
This acquisition gives Touchstone a 65 per cent operating interest in the Central Block exploration and production licence, with Heritage Petroleum Company retaining the remaining 35 per cent participation.
Following the acquisition, financial and operational results from the new asset have been integrated into Touchstone’s consolidated performance.
Production figures demonstrate the asset’s significance.
In the first quarter of 2025, Central Block posted gross production volumes averaging 2,969 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd) (1,930 boepd net), consisting of approximately 16.74 million cubic feet per day (mcf/d) of natural gas and 179 barrels per day (bpd) of natural gas liquids (NGLs).
Preliminary estimates for the second quarter indicate a slight uplift, with average gross production reaching 3,023 boepd (1,965 boepd net), delivering about 17.05 mcf/d of natural gas and 181 bpd of NGLs.
Commercially, the block’s gas is marketed under two separate contracts — one tied to LNG export pricing and the other to domestic market rates.
Between January and April 2025, the project completed 11 LNG liftings, totalling 2,207,696 million British thermal units (mbtu), while also supplying 11,065 mbtu into the domestic market.
Combined revenues, after transportation and processing costs, totalled US$8.9 million gross (US$5.8 million net), with condensate sales contributing a further US$1 million gross (US$0.65 million net).
All sales remain subject to a 12.5 per cent state royalty and applicable plant operating costs.
Looking to future growth, Touchstone has finalised site surveys for two new well pads, each with potential for up to four drilling locations, and is now progressing through the necessary government approval processes for construction.
This next phase is integral to unlocking additional production capacity and further strengthening Touchstone’s operational footprint in Trinidad and Tobago.
