By Chol D. Johnson
South Sudan government through Ministry of Petroleum has announced the resumption of oil shipments after attacks on energy facilities in Sudan.
Recently oil companies operating earlier this week shuttered production after targeted drone attacked on oil facilities in Sudan.
The suspension was triggered by two separate drone strikes. On November 13, the Heglig Central Processing Facility (CPF) was hit by three missiles launched from an unmanned aerial vehicle, damaging its maintenance workshop and laboratory and resulting in one fatality among 2B OPCO staff.
Two days later, on November 15, Al Jabalyn CPF and its associated power plant also came under attack, prompting Bashayer Pipeline Company (BAPCO) to initiate a full emergency shutdown.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has continue face a threat on effective flow and export of South Sudan oil since the country use some facilities in Sudan.
Despites interruptions by the conflict, both oil companies, South Sudanese leaders and the government in Sudan continue to engage on possible way to ensure steady flow.
South Sudan Ministry of Petroleum on Wednesday announced the resumption of oil shipment.
This came after close coordination with the government in Sudan and the oil companies.
The Ministry of Petroleum, working closely with Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC), Sudd Petroleum Company (SPOC), Dar Petroleum Operating Company (DPOC), and Sudan’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, mobilized a joint technical team to assess the damage and carry out urgent repairs.
Deng Lual Wol the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Petroleum revealed to Journalists during a press briefing that the shipment resumes after recent interruptions.
“The Ministry of Petroleum assures the general public and the people of South Sudan that the flow of crude oil from South Sudan has been fully restored” Lual said.
“Crude oil export is now flowing normally from South Sudan to through the designated pipelines to export point at the Marine terminal in the red sea in the republic of Sudan” he added.
Lual praised the swift action of the teams, noting their efforts minimized the impact on South Sudan’s economy.
“This team comprised of experts from both South Sudan and Sudan worked tirelessly to assess the damage and execute all necessary repairs,” he said
He said, adding that the ministry remains committed to safeguarding vital oil assets and ensuring production stability.
GPOC President Hz Yanhui acknowledged the human and economic toll of the attacks, emphasizing that the loss of workers at Heglig was felt deeply across the industry.
“They were more than employees; they were our friends and co‑workers,” he said.
Yanhui also commended the government and the Ministry of Petroleum for their support in restoring operations and protecting facilities.
Oil production remains a cornerstone of South Sudan’s economy, and officials stressed that the resumption of exports demonstrates resilience and determination to maintain stability despite security challenges.
Production
Dar Petroleum Operating Co. is producing 97,000 barrels per day following the brief shutdown, but will ramp that up to 150,000, Lual said. Greater Pioneer Operating Co.’s output is 40,000 daily barrels, and should rise to the normal level of 50,000, while Sudd Petroleum Operating Co. is pumping 13,000 barrels per day, down from 15,000 before disruption, he added.