(UNITY STATE) – South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum has confirmed that the government is working closely with Sudanese authorities to increase oil production at the Block 5A oil field in Unity State.
Dr. Chol Deng, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Petroleum, made the remarks while speaking on the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation. He was part of a high-level delegation led by Presidential Advisor on National Security Affairs, Tut Gatluak Manime, during a visit to Port Sudan.
The delegation delivered a message from President Salva Kiir to Sudan’s Head of State, Abdel Fattah Alburhan, and discussed measures to facilitate the return of oil companies to Heglig and ensure smooth operation of the oil fields in the area.
“The meeting discussed in detail the possibilities of increasing production in Block 5A in SPOC, and we are working jointly with the Sudanese to ensure that technical teams from GPOC, SPOC, and 2BAPCO return to Heglig and operate the oil field smoothly,” Dr. Chol said.
Block 5A, which includes the Tharjiath oil wells, is operated by the Sudd Petroleum Operating Company, one of South Sudan’s oil-producing consortiums. The field plays a critical role in the country’s crude oil output, with production transported via pipeline to Port Sudan for export.
The visit followed a tripartite agreement between South Sudan and Sudan’s warring parties, the Sudan Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Under the agreement, South Sudan was tasked with securing the oil installations in Heglig, also known as Panthou, after RSF forces took control of the area, forcing Sudanese army units to withdraw into South Sudan.
The Panthou oil field lies along the border between the two countries and hosts key processing facilities for South Sudan’s crude oil. Analysts say the return of technical teams and cooperation between both governments is expected to stabilise oil output, support exports, and reduce risks of operational disruptions caused by regional conflicts.
| Oil Field | Location | Operator | Status | Key Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Block 5A | Unity State | Sudd Petroleum Operating Company | Technical teams returning | Key production and pipeline export |
| Panthou / Heglig | Border of South Sudan & Sudan | Shared facilities | Security under South Sudan | Processing crude for export |
Officials said the collaboration between South Sudan and Sudan reflects a commitment to maintaining a steady flow of oil to the international market. The move also supports South Sudan’s broader goal of increasing production capacity, attracting investment in the petroleum sector, and securing vital infrastructure amid regional instability.
The Ministry of Petroleum emphasised that ensuring smooth and safe operations at key oil fields is a national priority, particularly as South Sudan seeks to expand crude exports and strengthen energy revenues. Analysts note that the focus on Block 5A is a strategic step to boost production while maintaining cross border cooperation and market stability.