South Sudan to restart oil production from blocks 1, 2 and 4

South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum has confirmed that production from blocks 1, 2 and 4 at Toma South will resume later this month.

Production is set to restart at Toma South, El Mar, El Toor, Manga and Unity oil fields.

The development represents a historic collaboration between South Sudan and Sudan under the Khartoum Declaration of Agreement signed in June that outlines a permanent ceasefire between the two parties.

South Sudanese firm Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC) is the licence operator.

In the build-up to the resumption of production, the Ministry of Petroleum of South Sudan and GPOC worked in coordination with 2B Operating Company (2B OPCO) of Sudan, in addition to technical teams from the Ministry of Petroleum and Gas of Sudan, to rehabilitate facilities and ensure security.

The production relaunch will be marked by a ceremony at Toma South, which will be attended by First Vice President Gen. Taban Deng Gai.

Blocks 1, 2 and 4 have now become fully operational, producing 45,000 barrels a day at Toma South, with El Nar, El Toor, Manga and Unity oilfields set to follow.

Minister of Petroleum of South Sudan Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth said: “South Sudan’s recovery and march to prosperity is firmly underway, and we are working hand in hand with our neighbours in Sudan to achieve production resumption at key oilfields.

“We commit to building on the achievements at Toma South and bring our petroleum industry to full strength as quickly as possible.”

The governments will also work towards uncapping Sudd Petroleum Operating Company’s block 5A and resuming production by the end of this year.

The ministries aim to resolve remaining technical issues on block 5A in the upcoming months.