South Sudan: S. Sudan’s Oil Production Showing Signs of Recovery: Minister

Feb 11, 2015 | Hellenic Shipping News
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South Sudan’s oil ministry said production is starting to recover for the first time since conflict erupted more than a year ago, severely disrupting exploration.

Petroleum and mining minister Stephen Dhieu Dau told reporters in Juba on Monday that oilfields in Upper Nile state have increased their daily output.

“The production has increased from 160,000 barrels a day to around 168,000 barrels a day in Upper Nile where we are currently producing,” Dhieu said.

Meanwhile, oilfields in neighbouring Unity state remain closed, although Dhieu said production would resume once peace is restored in the area.

Unity state’s oilfields fell under rebel control following the eruption of violence in mid-December 2013 after forces in the area declared allegiance to former vice-president Riek Machar and drove out soldiers loyal to president Salva Kiir.

Oil production in December 2013 stood at 240,000 bpd, but sharply dropped to 160,000 bpd amid safety concerns for oil workers.