(RUWENG ADMINISTRATIVE AREA) – Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces said on Monday that they had taken control of the Heglig oilfield in South Kordofan province. The site is a key processing hub for South Sudanese oil before it is transported through pipelines to Port Sudan on the Red Sea.
Government forces and oil workers left the site on Sunday to avoid clashes, with many reportedly crossing into South Sudan for safety. Sources at the field confirmed that army units and technical staff withdrew to nearby South Sudanese territory.
The Heglig oilfield is vital for both countries. South Sudan relies almost entirely on pipelines through Sudan to export crude, making any disruption a serious threat to national revenue. Sudan also depends on Heglig for hard-currency earnings.
Since the outbreak of fighting between the Sudanese army and the RSF in April 2023, oil flows from South Sudan have been disrupted multiple times. Before the conflict, exports via Sudan averaged 100,000 to 150,000 barrels per day.
Officials say they are monitoring the situation closely. The SSPDF has assured that South Sudanese oil infrastructure within the country remains secure and that production is continuing normally.
Investors and business operators in Juba are watching developments carefully, as prolonged instability in Heglig could directly affect South Sudan’s budget, government services, and public sector salaries.
Estimated Oil Revenue — Daily and Annual
| Scenario (daily export volume) | Barrels per day (bpd) | Daily Revenue (USD) | Daily Revenue (SSP) | Annual Revenue (USD)¹ | Annual Revenue (SSP)¹ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low case | 100,000 | 6.3 million USD | 44.73 billion SSP | ~2.30 billion USD | ~16.34 trillion SSP |
| High case | 150,000 | 9.45 million USD | 67.10 billion SSP | ~3.45 billion USD | ~24.52 trillion SSP |
Annual revenue = daily revenue × 365 days, assuming sustained export volume and price.
Notes and Risks
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Actual share of Nile Blend’s market price may be lower than Brent benchmark due to quality and export fees.
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Export volumes have been unstable since conflict in Sudan began.
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Pipeline transit fees and deductions (e.g. debt repayment, transport costs) reduce net revenue to government, so real government income per barrel may be significantly lower than gross revenue shown.
