Sudan admits challenges with South Sudan oil export, declares force majeure
The Sudanese government has admitted challenges with the export of oil from South Sudan as a result of the ongoing conflict.
Fight broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (Saf) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), resulting in conflict since April 15, 2024, following a disagreement over the country's transitional future.
Sudan's Minister of Energy and Petroleum Dr. Mohieldin Nam Mohamed Said in a letter dated March 16 and addressed to major oil-producing companies in South Sudan indicated that the country is unable to transport crude oil through the Jabalayn-Port Sudan Pipeline.
Details of the letter indicate a significant decrease in flow at Pump Station 5 in February 2024 as reported by operators of the BAPCO pipeline. There was also a gelling incident that occurred in the area between pump stations 4 and 5 because the area is classified as a military operation zone that is inaccessible to BAPCO.
Local news outlet Eye Radio reports that communication disruptions caused by the conflicts exacerbated the situation despite the gelling incident being resolved by BAPCO temporarily.
Operations were halted again the next day after a massive pressure drop.
There was also a major rupture 18km north of PS3, which is also a military operation area, the letter further noted.
"Teams were mobilised to the area to repair the rupture and were only able to commence repairs after security clearance was obtained," Dr. Said noted in the letter.
The government has therefore declared a state of force majeure which they noted “prevents us from fulfilling our obligations in the delivery of crude oil and through the BAPCO transportation system to the Bashayer 2 Maritime Terminal We remain suspended to restore the BaPCO transportation system to operational mode and will be duly updated of any developments," the letter was quoted by Eye Radio.
The letter was addressed to China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) Director Dr Wangi Guolin, China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation or Sinopec International Exploration and Production Corporation Director Martin Jiambo, Petronas Director Mai Gadalla, and SSTO Egypt Managing Director Hassan Maselhy.
Various peace efforts led by the regional bloc, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad), and the US and Saudi Arabia have largely failed to secure a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in South Sudan.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (Saf) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) resorted to economic sabotage, bombing telecommunications infrastructure, roads, and buildings in a major disruptive move. Both sides blamed the other, although the US concluded that both sides had committed war crimes.
