Sudan to increase oil production

KHARTOUM, Sudan, Nov 19, 2004 (UPI) — Sudan said Friday it will increase its oil production to 500,000 barrels per day in 2005 as part of an ambitious plan to develop its oil sector.

The Sudanese News Agency, SUNA, quoted a statement by the ministry of energy saying the plan stipulates the expansion of oil refineries in Khartoum and Port Sudan to increase production capacity.

Under the plan, as many as 25.5 million barrels of crude oil would be processed annually at local refineries to ensure local consumption and surpluses for export.

Crude oil exports are also expected to increase to 9.02 million barrels under the plan.