Filepix for illustration purpose only.

PARAMARIBO (Nov 20): Suriname's state-run oil company Staatsolie said on Wednesday that US oil giant ExxonMobil has withdrawn from its offshore block 52, and block operator Petronas Suriname E&P will take over its 50% stake.

"The withdrawal is part of the ongoing evaluation of assets in ExxonMobil's global portfolio," Staatsolie said in a statement.

The withdrawal, effective as of Nov 14, will not affect operations with the subsidiary of Malaysia's Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) oil and gas company, it added.

ExxonMobil has fulfilled all of its work commitments, a spokesperson said in response to questions about its exit.

Gas was initially discovered in the block off Suriname's northern coast in 2020, and a second well was drilled earlier this year.

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