Kingston, Jamaica — 10 Ocotober 2025
Periodic claims that Jamaica could become a significant oil-producing nation continue to circulate, particularly during politically charged moments. Yet decades of exploration activity suggest the country remains far from confirming any commercially viable offshore petroleum discovery — a reality that carries broader implications for national planning, economic strategy, and long-term development priorities.
In recent months, social media discussions and public commentary have revived suggestions that Jamaica may be sitting on vast offshore hydrocarbon reserves. Such claims often reference billions of barrels of oil or trillions of cubic feet of natural gas believed to lie beneath waters surrounding the island.
However, the historical record of exploration in Jamaica paints a more cautious picture.
Over the past three decades, several companies have held exploration licences for offshore blocks around Jamaica, including areas near Pedro Bank. Despite r…
