(JUBA) – A ban by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on port access for cargoes linked to Sudan has begun to affect regional oil flows, raising concerns in South Sudan, which relies heavily on Sudanese pipelines and Port Sudan to export its crude.
The ban has already left one crude tanker stranded near the UAE. The Pola, a Suezmax vessel carrying about 80,000 tonnes of Dar Blend crude produced in South Sudan, arrived at Fujairah more than a week ago from Marsa Bashayer, near Port Sudan. Since then, the vessel has not been able to discharge.
Shipping data showed the tanker was chartered by Vitol Group, but neither the company nor the vessel’s manager, Dynacom Tankers of Greece, gave any comment. Traders suggested the cargo may be redirected toward Singapore or Malaysia, which have facilities to handle crude shipments.
The UAE announced earlier this month that its ports would no longer accept cargoes either coming from or destined for Port Sudan. The directive came as diplomatic tensions worsened between Khartoum and Abu Dhabi, with Sudan accusing the UAE of supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in its ongoing civil war. The UAE has denied these claims.
For South Sudan, the ban represents a serious risk. Although the restrictions target Sudan, Juba’s oil is transported entirely through Sudanese territory, via pipelines that end at Port Sudan. Past shutdowns of the pipeline, caused by disputes or conflict in Khartoum, have brought South Sudan’s oil industry to a halt and crippled the government’s revenue.
The Dar Blend, South Sudan’s main crude export, is a low-sulphur grade that generates vital foreign currency for Juba. A single shipment of 80,000 tonnes, such as the one carried by Pola, could earn an estimated $44.8 million (about SSP 206 billion). Disruptions to this flow therefore carry heavy financial consequences.
Recent export data showed that Dar Blend cargoes have been delivered mainly to three destinations over the past two months:
| Destination | Monthly Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fujairah, UAE | 1–2 shipments | Now blocked by ban |
| Singapore | Occasional | Possible redirection hub |
| Malaysia | Occasional | Alternative market |
With Fujairah now closed to Sudan linked shipments, South Sudan’s crude faces higher transport costs and potential delays as traders seek new destinations. Analysts warn that this could weaken South Sudan’s fragile economy, which depends on oil for most of its budget.
Fighting erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF after a failed power sharing agreement. Since then, the war has disrupted trade and strained relations with neighbouring countries. For South Sudan, any further disruption of Sudan’s pipelines or port access could severely cut off its only export route.
Energy experts note that Juba has few alternatives. Without a direct pipeline to the Indian Ocean, South Sudan remains dependent on Sudanese infrastructure. A new route through Djibouti could strengthen Juba’s resilience in the long term but the projects will take years to build while oil sector will remain vulnerable to external political disputes and regional instability.