Venezuela groups in tizzy over alleged oil exploration in Stabroek Block

The Stabroek Block (Exxon Mobil website)

Reports emanating from Venezuela yesterday said that the country’s opposition had accused the Hugo Chavez administration of irresponsibility over reports that oil exploration had restarted offshore Essequibo in Guyana, an area claimed by Venezuela.

The area, the Stabroek Block, was awarded to ExxonMobil Corporation in mid 1998 under a production sharing contract. However, exploration was halted following a protest by Venezuela.