Government Advances Plan to Restart Pointe-à-Pierre Refinery in Trinidad

The Government says it will restart the Pointe-a-Pierre refinery through a phased plan, with industry groups welcoming the move as a boost for fuel security, jobs and local business. Former energy minister Carolyn Seepersad-Bachan questioned the cost, crude supply and export markets, while the Energy Chamber also urged a commercially viable, fully financed plan and cautioned against higher petroleum taxes.

Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo said the Government will restart the Pointe-à-Pierre refinery and is now evaluating proposals from a shortlist of local and international investors. He said the goal is a credible, commercially viable and fully financed plan, following a committee report on a phased restart of the Guaracara facility.

Patriotic Energy Services Limited has backed the Government’s phased plan to restart the Guaracara Refinery, saying it is a practical path to a faster, safer reopening. The company said the restart could improve Trinidad and Tobago’s energy security, revive economic activity and jobs, and help restore confidence in communities tied to the refinery.