IMF urges Guyana to settle ExxonMobil cost‑oil audits

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked the Guyana government to fast‑track the resolution of disputes over ExxonMobil’s cost‑oil audits, warning that delays could have fiscal and governance repercussions. In its staff concluding statement for the 2026 Article IV mission, the IMF noted that the audits involve about US$214.4 million from the 1999‑2017 period, originally reviewed by IHS Markit, and a second audit conducted by SGS and other consultants. The fund also urged Guyana to strengthen audit capacity in the hydrocarbon sector and to improve public procurement practices as public spending expands. IMF officials met with Finance Minister Ashni Singh, Central Bank Governor Gobind Ganga and other senior officials to discuss these recommendations.