Africa-Press – South-Sudan. South Sudan is intensifying efforts to boost oil production as global prices hit over $100 a barrel, with officials highlighting new gains and strong potential in key oil fields.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Undersecretary Chol Deng Thon emphasised that increasing output remains a top priority.
“Today in the Ministry of Petroleum, we have gathered here to address one issue that has consistently been at the forefront of our agenda, and that is the increase in production,” he said, adding, “Amid the increase in oil prices, this topic is gaining more importance.”
He noted that despite global challenges, including disruptions linked to tensions involving Iran, progress has continued. “We are also cognizant of the logistical challenges facing global maritime operations caused by the Iranian war and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. But against all odds, the Ministry of Petroleum conducted meetings with the joint operating companies.”
According to Thon, a breakthrough has been recorded at the Al Nahal field in Paloch, Upper Nile State, operated by Dar Petroleum Operating Company. “Al Nahal W8 is now producing 5,440 barrels per day with a water cut of 0.5%,” Thon said, describing it as a magnificent achievement.
“We are here to announce that the Al Nahal field in Blocks 3 and 7 in Paloch has a lot of potential that has recently been unlocked, and there has been a drilling campaign conducted by DPOC, which has resulted in this magnificent achievement. Al Nahal W8, one well among others that was drilled, is now producing 5,440 barrels per day with a water cut of 0.5%. The average water cut in most of the wells is 84.5%. To put it in perspective, this 5,440 per day means that this well alone will actually produce one cargo every four months, every quarter. That’s only one well.”
He added that the impact is already visible: “The production level has increased from 95,000 to 100,000 barrels in the export pipeline. So that’s a significant increase,” stressing, “this is the right time for an increase in production to be pursued and for the nation to realise the dividends from their resources.”
Ling Zongfa, President of DPOC, confirmed the progress, saying, “Since last October, we resumed drilling operations. Until now, 16 wells have been drilled, and 12 of them have been commissioned. The production performance is much better than our forecast.”
He added that the gains are driven by improved techniques and support from the government: “We carry out intensive reservoir surveillance and maintenance, and we also utilise new technology; this supports us to achieve more in the next steps.”
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