Crude oil exports through Port Sudan have resumed after weeks of disruption

BY EMMANUEL GARJIEK , JUBA
South Sudan’s crude oil exports through Port Sudan have resumed after weeks of disruption caused by drone attacks on key facilities. The Sudanese army-aligned government had previously ordered energy firms to prepare for a halt in shipments, a significant setback for South Sudan, which depends on Sudan for oil exports and derives over 90% of its revenue from petroleum.
However, technical teams from both countries worked to repair the damage, allowing oil exports to restart. Mubarak Mahjoub Musa, Sudan’s deputy ambassador to South Sudan, confirmed that crude oil production has resumed following the restoration of facilities in Port Sudan.
While exports are back on track, challenges remain, including unpaid wages for oil workers in South Sudan, who have been striking over salary cuts. The broader conflict between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to destabilize the region, affecting infrastructure and essential services.
We had have production back for nearly a month now and can not recall the next exact date but operation are running smoothly Musa said damage was repaired through joined technical between juba and fort Sudan I can confirmed everything is functioning
South Sudanese officials have yet to comment on the situation, but Nancy Malir, a representative of the Nilepet Workers Union, confirmed that oil production has resumed. However, she criticized the continued issue of unpaid wages, stating that workers have gone three months without pay despite the restart of operations.
The union has been vocal about salary cuts, with employees reporting that their wages were reduced by 70%, and promised arrears have yet to be paid. The ongoing financial struggles have led to protests, with workers demanding action from the government and Nile pet’s management.
The broader economic challenges, including disruptions caused by the conflict in Sudan, continue to impact South Sudan’s oil sector, which remains its primary source of revenue.
Our salaries were cut by 70%, and management promise arrases once production resumed, but nothing has been paid Malier said
Employees of Nile pet, South Sudan’s state-owned oil and gas company, are currently on strike over unpaid salaries and benefits. The protest, which began Monday, demands the removal of Managing Director Ayuel Ngor Kwocgor over alleged mismanagement and delayed wages. Workers have gone three months without pay, despite the resumption of oil production.
The strike comes amid broader instability caused by the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has disrupted electricity and fuel supplies across Sudan. Last month, RSF drone attacks reportedly struck a key pump station and fuel depot in army-controlled Sudan, further complicating oil exports.
South Sudan’s crude oil exports—currently estimated at 110,000 barrels per day—are typically shipped via Port Sudan, with Sudan collecting transit fees. Exports had only resumed in January after a yearlong suspension due to pipeline damage from earlier clashes. The ongoing unrest continues to threaten the region’s economic stability.