JUBA, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan's oil production has dropped to 140,000 barrels per day (bpd) from 160,000 bpd in 2022 due to recent heavy flooding in the northern oil fields, said Minister of Petroleum Puot Kang Chol on the sidelines of the economic forum in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
The minister said the government is currently reinstating oil wells that were previously submerged by water, adding that they have repaired 300 wells operated by the Dar Petroleum Operating Company, and more than 239 wells operated by the Greater Pioneer Operating Company and the Sudd Petroleum Operating Company respectively.
Kang noted that production at the Tharjath Refinery in Unity State, also known as Western Upper Nile, has also been affected by flooding.
The refinery with a capacity of 10,000 bpd is currently refining 300 barrels to maintain the equipment as they seek accessibility solutions.
"We had to shut it off because the tanks are full, but we have no road to evacuate oil products," Kang said.
He disclosed that they have 12 new oil blocks that are open for investors. ■