South Sudan oil continues flowing despite dispute with Khartoum
June 14, 2013 (JUBA) – South Sudan says that its oil crude continues to flow to international markets through Sudanese territory despite growing difference over Khartoum’s claims that it provides support to a coalition of Sudanese rebels fighting Bashir’s government.
Minister Dau said an average of 185 barrels per day (bpd) continues to be pumped from blocks 3 and 7, revealing that oil from these blocks has already reached the maritime terminal at Port Sudan on the Red Sea.
“The current production rate in block 3 and 7 is averaging 185,000 barrels per day. Blocks 1, 2 and 4 accounted for another 33,000-35,000 barrels and block 5a between 4,000 and 5,000 bpd. Oil from these blocks has already reached processing facilities within Sudan”, he explained.
Sudanese government said oil flow will be gradually stopped within 60 days as such procedure require to diminish its production before to shut it down.
Dau said his country would respect Sudan’s decision should it stop production. However, he noted that such as action would undermines the cooperation agreement the two signed last year and the promotion of economic bilateral cooperation.
South Sudan, he said, would continue to push for dialogue and devise means to survive without oil revenues in the interim.
“The momentum with our people is encouraging. They seem not discouraged by the Sudanese order. Their reactions indicate they we will continue to survive without oil revenues”, the minister said.
Earlier this week Sudanese president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir ordered his oil minister to begin shutting down the pipelines carrying the crude from landlocked South Sudan but is unclear whether Khartoum will implement the order.
(ST)