Sudan’s Kiir to inaugurate pumping of oil from blocks 3, 7
April 9, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese first Vice-President Salva Kiir Mayardit, and Minister of Energy and Mining, Awad Ahmed Al-Jazz, are to inaugurate Monday 10 April the pumping of oil (Dar blend) from blocks No. 3 and 7 in the Upper Nile and White Nile States.
The blocks (3) and (7) produce some 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) and would increase the production of oil in Sudan to reach 500,000 (bpd), the state-run SUNA reported.
The cost of developing of Melut Basin project amounted to 1.9 billion dollars.
The project includes installation of all the necessary facilities pertinent to the exploration operations as well as exportation through As-Salam Port in the Red Sea State through special pipeline.
The pipeline starts from Falouj in Upper Nile State, and passes through White Nile State, Khartoum State and Nile State and terminates to the Red Sea.
The total length of the pipeline is 1500 km and its diameter is 32 inches.
The daily pipeline capacity will be 500.000 barrels of oil, and it will start with 150.000 barrels per day.
The pipeline had been much delayed by faulty foundation work. It was due to come on line in August last year, Sources in the oil business in Khartoum said.
(ST)