His Excellency Patrick Loys Brunings has served as Minister of Oil, Gas and Environment of the Republic of Suriname since 2025. He has brought more than 30 years of international experience in the energy and natural resources sector, with recognized expertise in exploration, production optimization, risk management, asset management, and strategies for the green energy transition.
Minister Brunings holds a Master of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from Delft University of Technology (1994) and completed advanced specialized training at the University of Texas at Austin in 2008. Throughout his distinguished career at Staatsolie N.V., he held several senior leadership positions, including Exploration & Non-Operated Ventures Asset Manager and Production Asset Manager. In these capacities, he led multidisciplinary teams, managed substantial operational budgets, and collaborated closely with leading international energy companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell, TotalEnergies, Chevron, and Petronas.

He played a significant role in the strategic development of Suriname’s offshore energy sector, including the preparation and development of new fields and production systems.
In his ministerial capacity, Minister Brunings is responsible for national policy on oil, gas, and environmental affairs, with particular emphasis on:

• the sustainable transformation of the energy sector.


• the promotion and expansion of green financing mechanisms.


• oversight of environmental and energy-related regulation.

His leadership style is characterized by strong technical acumen, an international outlook, and a firm commitment to sustainable development. In addition to his governmental responsibilities, Minister Brunings is actively engaged in international professional organizations, including SPE International, AAPG, and EAGE, and serves on the boards of several social and cultural institutions.

Minister Brunings is fluent in Dutch, English, and Sranan Tongo, and maintains a strong personal commitment to innovation, education, and the sustainable future of the Republic of Suriname.