The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) today disclosed that a “slight anomaly” was observed on the gas pipeline for the gas-to-energy project. However, they have rejected claims by the Opposition Leader that the US$1 Billion gas pipeline was ruptured.

In a joint statement today, the EPA and MARAD said the “slight anomaly” was detected during a joint assessment of the pipeline based on a report received.

“Out of an abundance of caution, further inspections are being conducted to confirm the continued integrity of the pipeline, consistent with standard safety protocols,” the EPA and MARAD said.

The disclosure came today amid damning allegations by the Leader of the Opposition that the gas pipeline was reportedly ruptured. It was his statement that triggered the two organisations to issue a statement on the issue.

The 12 inch pipeline, which was completed since October 2024, is expected to transport gas from the Liza oil field in the Stabroek Block to the US$759 million Power Plant and Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) Plant at Wales.

In a video posted on social media last night, the Opposition Leader contended that the pipe was damaged, as he raised a number of questions.

“Our sources confirm that this pipeline has been ruptured for about three months. We have questions. Were there any gases flowing from the ExxonMobil run Stabroek Block? If so, are we assessing its impact on the damage to marine life, and the environment? How is this affecting the fisher folk or human life?” the Opposition Leader questioned.

With the multi-billion-project being the largest in the country’s history, Mohamed said citizens, whose tax dollars are tied to the project, deserve answers.

“Guyanese are not investing billions of US dollars in experiments; they are investing in the country’s future. It doesn’t matter which political party you are affiliated with, this is a matter of national concern. Therefore, you must ask the PPP about planning, supervision and the management of a project that the Government says will power Guyana’s future. If a pipeline encounters this kind of problem before it is even commissioned what assurance can the Government give that it will operate safely, and reliably once natural gas begins flowing,” the Opposition Leader said.

But the EPA and MARAD in rejecting the allegations, said there is no factual basis to the claims made by the Opposition Leader.

They said the gas pipeline is not currently active, and there is no gas flowing through it.

Against that background, the authorities said “there can be no leak or damage of the nature suggested.”

The EPA and MARAD clarified that since May 2026, the Stabroek Block Operator – ExxonMobil – has been conducting a scheduled inspection of the sub-sea pipeline – an exercise expected to span approximately three months.

They said the inspection programme involves five vessels operating along the West Coast of Demerara, adding that the activity was the subject of a public notice issued by MARAD.

“The EPA and MARAD remain committed to transparency and to safeguarding public and environmental safety throughout the gas-to-energy project,” a section of the statement read.

The authorities have assured that they will continue to provide accurate and timely updates to the public, and urged that information be verified through official channels before conclusions are drawn that could cause unnecessary alarm among residents of the West Coast of Demerara.

Mohamed said the Opposition does not oppose development, but is demanding transparency in the execution of public projects.

“We support development, we support modern infrastructure but development without transparency, accountability and competence puts the country at risk. The Government must stop hiding problems that should be of national concern from the public. We demand better as the people,” he said.

ExxonMobil has not commented on the issue. Several questions submitted to the company by News Sources are still to receive a response.

The first phase of the gas-to-energy project is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

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