Minister Trinidad is confident that gas projects with Venezuela can proceed.

The energy minister for the twin island nation, Trinidad and Tobago, said that the government was confident two major 'offshore gas' projects with Venezuela, to be 'operated' by Shell, BP and Trinidad National Gas Company, will go ahead despite the political changes in OPEC's country.

Since U.S. forces captured Nicolas Maduro in the last month, they have'relaxed sanctions on Venezuelan energy industry. This is part of a 'ambitious $100 billion rebuilding plan. The Venezuelan government is now headed by Interim President Delcy Rodriguez.

Venezuela's energy project with Trinidad was?suspended last year at Rodriguez's request after a 'political standoff' due to Venezuelan's 'allegation' that Trinidad collaborated with the U.S. in order to ouster Maduro. Despite the positive view that U.S. Energy Sec. Chris Wright has of these projects, planning continues to be delayed.

The projects, if they were to resume, would provide much-needed gas for Trinidad's industries of liquefied gas and petrochemicals. Trinidad is also'seeking oil from the region' for the possible reopening of the country's Pointe-a-Pierre refining plant, which will process up to 50,000 barrels of crude per day, Trinidad's energy minister Roodal 'Moonilal stated at a Georgetown conference.

He added that the Caribbean?country was in discussions with oil-producing countries including Guyana whose output is growing rapidly for possible crude supply. Sheila Dang, Kemol King and Marianna Pararaga contributed to the report; Paul Simao edited it.

(source: Reuters)