South Sudan has resumed crude oil exports through Sudan following the repair of a key pipeline damaged in a recent airstrike, marking a critical step toward easing the country’s deepening economic crisis.
Deng Lual Wol, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Petroleum, announced the restoration of exports on Tuesday, confirming that crude shipments had resumed and were being collected at designated terminals. He expressed hope that renewed oil flows would help the government clear salary arrears and revive stalled economic programs.
“We are relieved to report that oil exports have recommenced,” Wol told journalists in Juba. “This achievement was made possible through the leadership of President Salva Kiir and Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel, and we are grateful to Sudanese authorities and oil partners for their collaboration.”
The landlocked nation relies heavily on a pipeline that runs through Sudan to export its oil, which accounts for over 90% of its national revenue. The flow had been disrupted due to damage sustained during fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Although no party has officially claimed responsibility for the airstrike, Sudanese officials have accused the RSF of carrying out the attack.
The weeks-long suspension of oil exports strained South Sudan’s already fragile economy, causing significant revenue shortfalls and stalling infrastructure development. Tensions peaked this week when staff at the state oil company, Nilepet, staged a walkout in protest over unpaid salaries and wage cuts.
Sudanese diplomatic sources in Juba confirmed the pipeline repairs were successful. “Technical teams from both countries worked tirelessly to resolve the issue,” said Maburak Mahjoub Musa, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Sudanese Embassy. “Operations have now returned to normal.”
With oil exports once again flowing, officials in Juba are hopeful that the crisis can be reversed. However, analysts warn that ongoing instability in Sudan remains a risk to future oil transport and regional economic stability.