(RUWENG ADMINISTRATIVE AREA) – The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces have confirmed that the country’s oil infrastructure remains secure and production continues as normal, despite the Rapid Support Forces taking control of the Heglig oil area across the border in Sudan on Monday.
Heglig, located in West Kordofan State, hosts key processing facilities for South Sudan’s crude before it is transported through Sudan to Port Sudan for export. The situation has raised concerns within the oil market and among business operators, given oil’s major role in South Sudan’s national income.
Major General Lul Ruai, the SSPDF spokesperson, said on Monday afternoon that he had received updates from the Assistant Chief of the Defense Forces. He said the fighting remains inside Sudanese territory and has not crossed into South Sudan.
He explained that security forces are protecting oil fields near the frontier and that the SSPDF continues to monitor the border closely. According to General Lul, there is regular communication with Sudanese security counterparts to follow the situation and ensure coordinated awareness.
He also confirmed that oil operations in South Sudan are continuing without delays and that the safety of personnel and infrastructure has been prioritised.
South Sudan depends on oil exports for a large share of government revenue. Any threat to the pipeline route or processing sites could create immediate economic risks. For this reason, the government and military remain focused on preventing instability from spreading into Unity State and the Ruweng Administrative Area.
Current Oil Operations Status
| Item | Situation | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Oil production inside South Sudan | Normal | No disruption reported |
| Heglig oil field status | Under RSF control in Sudan | Outside South Sudan territory |
| Border security | Active SSPDF protection | Forces remain on alert |
| Pipeline export route | Operational | Monitored closely by authorities |
| Market outlook | Stable for now | Risk level depends on Sudan conflict movements |
South Sudan’s security leadership says they will continue to provide updates as new details emerge. Energy officials and investors are expected to watch the situation carefully, given its importance to the country’s economy and public services.