WIN proposes overhaul of oil regulations

Jul 27, 2025 News

…vows zero routine flaring, stricter environmental reviews

WIN proposes overhaul of oil regulations

Businessman and Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party Azruddin Mohamed

Kaieteur News – The We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), the political party led by Guyanese businessman Azruddin Mohamed has proposed an overhaul of Guyana’s oil and gas regulatory framework if elected to office following the September 1 election.

On Thursday, WIN launched its 2025 manifesto promising to better the lives of Guyanese through a slew of cash incentives among other policies. One such policy is to revise the country’s oil and gas framework.

Outlined in its 2025 elections manifesto, WIN said it would amend the country’s petroleum and environmental laws to mandate zero routine flaring, unless explicitly justified. The party also committed to ensuring greater transparency in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process for all new oil projects.

Notably, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) is required to pay US $50 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e) emitted as a result of flaring in excess of the periods outlined in the environmental permits for the three projects currently in operation.

In addition to regulatory reforms, WIN promised to enhance technical training in the oil and gas sector by expanding TVET programmes. This includes training more specialised instructors, upgrading to industry-grade simulators, and aligning curricula with current industry standards.

Also, the party said it would implement a more cautious approach to managing the Natural Resource Fund (NRF). According to the manifesto, WIN plans to cap annual withdrawals to sustainable levels and ensure the fund is preserved for the benefit of future generations.

In 2024, amendments to the NRF Act to increase withdrawals were approved. Notably, in 2023 the National Assembly passed the new Petroleum Activities Bill which was later became law. The new legislation repeals the decades-old Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act of 1986.

This publication reported that the party, which was launched in June 2025, has pledged to seek fairer terms from the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), a deal that has long faced criticism for favouring the oil companies over the country.

WIN’s manifesto highlights that almost six years after first oil, significant gaps remain in areas such as environmental protection, climate resilience, local content, workforce development, revenue management, and the legislative framework.

It states, “These gaps demand urgent attention if we are to truly safeguard our people and environment from the risks associated with a growing oil and gas sector.”

The party stresses the need for policies that prioritise building a capable workforce, ensuring that Guyanese are equipped with the necessary skills and are first in line for opportunities in the sector. It states, “The way we manage oil revenues can no longer be a source of division or doubt. Strong, transparent systems must be put in place; systems that foster full public trust and reflect our shared commitment to accountability, equity, and national development.”

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Azruddin Mohamed, Elections, ExxonMobil, Guyana Oil, We Invest in Nationhood

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