(JUBA) – Vice President and Chairperson of the Economic Cluster Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel convened a high level meeting with national and international oil companies in Juba on 23rd and 24th September 2025. The talks focused on increasing crude oil production in Upper Nile State, particularly in Blocks 3 and 7 and improving long term investment in the petroleum sector.
The meeting brought together key officials, including Petroleum Ministry Undersecretary Eng. Deng Lual Wol, NILEPET Managing Director Eng. Ayuel Ngor Kacgor and senior representatives from China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) and South Sudan Total Oil (SSTO). Discussions centred on expanding production capacity, upgrading infrastructure and addressing operational challenges in the oil fields.
Speaking to the state broadcaster SSBC, Undersecretary Lual said the meeting aimed to align contractual frameworks with evolving field conditions while ensuring that benefits were shared between the government, contractors and local communities:
“Key highlights included proposals for increased investment in Blocks 1, 2, 4, 5A, and particularly Blocks 3 and 7,” he said. “We also looked at extending Field Control Agreements, scaling up production, and integrating Block 5A into the export pipeline.”
Undersecretary Lual added that the talks emphasised local content, skills transfer, and employment creation for people in oil producing regions.
South Sudan’s oil production has faced declines in recent years due to ageing infrastructure, conflict related disruptions and market volatility. The government is seeking to attract investment and stabilise output to support its oil dependent economy, where petroleum revenues form a significant portion of national income.
The Vice President stressed that oil operations must deliver maximum benefits to South Sudanese citizens. He urged companies to prioritise employment for locals and build a skilled workforce for the next generation. Dr. Bol Mel said the nation’s oil wealth should translate into jobs, infrastructure and opportunities for families across the country, in line with what he said is President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s vision.
Proposed Oil Sector Focus Areas and Benefits
| Block / Sector | Proposed Action | Expected Benefit for South Sudan |
|---|---|---|
| Blocks 3 and 7 | Increase crude oil production | Higher export revenue and jobs |
| Block 5A | Integrate into export pipeline | Efficient transport and sales |
| Local Content | Skills transfer and training | Build local workforce |
| Infrastructure | Upgrade pipelines and facilities | Reduce downtime and losses |
| Employment | Create jobs for citizens | Support communities in oil regions |
According to a press release by the Economic Cluster Office, the discussions mark a renewed effort by South Sudan’s government to stabilise and grow the petroleum sector while ensuring that local communities directly benefit from the country’s natural resources.