Officials in Sudan have disclosed that the primary oil pipeline transporting oil from South Sudan through Sudan for export has experienced disruptions since last month, attributed to the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
A letter dated March 16 from Sudan’s petroleum minister, obtained by Reuters, declared force majeure on oil deliveries through the pipeline to a terminal near Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast.
The letter cited gelling issues restricting flows on February 10, followed by a major rupture in another part of the pipeline.
Both incidents reportedly occurred in conflict-affected areas, compounded by communication challenges due to network outages across Sudan in recent weeks.
The extent of the oil affected and the consequent revenue loss from the stoppage remain unclear.
South Sudan has been sending approximately 150,000 barrels per day of crude through Sudan for export since gaining independence from Khartoum in 2011. These exports are crucial for both countries’ economies, with Sudan receiving transit fees.
Sudanese officials, speaking anonymously and aligned with the army, attributed the stoppage to the RSF, claiming it occurred in territories under RSF control.
However, an RSF media official denied responsibility, affirming compliance with the export agreement between Sudan and South Sudan.
Resolving the gelling issues necessitates the full functionality of pumping and heating stations, along with adequate diesel supplies, challenges exacerbated by the current war conditions in Sudan, according to the letter from Sudan’s petroleum minister.
Requests for comment from South Sudan’s petroleum ministry in Juba remained unanswered.
The Petrodar pipeline, operated by a consortium including China’s CNPC and Sinopec, as well as Malaysia’s Petronas, spans over 1,500 km from South Sudan’s Melut Basin to Port Sudan. Another pipeline transports oil from South Sudan’s Unity State to Port Sudan.
