(JUBA) – China National Petroleum Corporation, the largest state oil firm in China, has formally told Sudan that it plans to end its operations in the country after three decades. The company said continued conflict has destroyed oil facilities and made production impossible.
CNPC confirmed that the decision follows extensive damage to infrastructure in Block 6, one of Sudan’s key production areas. The company said operations will fully shut down by 31 December 2025. No financial figures have yet been released, but engineers working around the field say destruction to pipelines, power systems and storage sites has made recovery extremely difficult.
According to the company, the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has created conditions that prevent staff from working safely. Equipment has been looted, supply routes have collapsed and several support bases have been damaged. CNPC described the situation as one of the most difficult it has faced since the conflict began in April 2023.
The company has requested an urgent meeting with Sudanese authorities in Juba to complete the contract termination process. CNPC said it remains open to future cooperation once stability returns but cannot continue operating under present conditions.
Oil analysts in Juba say the withdrawal is likely to affect Sudan’s already declining oil output, which has been essential for South Sudan’s own export route through the pipeline to Port Sudan. The two countries depend on each other for production and transit income. South Sudan relies on Sudan’s pipeline corridor to export its crude, while Sudan earns fees from this transit. Any further reduction in Sudan’s operational capacity could influence earnings for both sides.
Below is a simple illustration of how Sudan and South Sudan depend on each other for the oil trade:
| Country | Key Role | Main Economic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| South Sudan | Crude supplier using Sudan route | Transit fees paid to Sudan and oil revenue for Juba |
| Sudan | Pipeline and export corridor | Income from transit and refinery activities |
| China (CNPC) | Former major investor in Sudan fields | Exit reduces investment and technical support |
The exit ends one of the most important foreign investments in Sudan’s energy sector. CNPC has been a partner since the 1990s and played a major role in building the country’s oil industry before the separation of South Sudan in 2011.
Industry observers in South Sudan say CNPC’s departure sends a warning about the long term stability of the regional oil supply chain. They say it could push both Sudans to seek new investors or to open talks on how to protect shared energy infrastructure from further damage.
