H.E. Ezekiel Gatkuoth, South Sudan’s Minister of Petroleum Ambassador said South Sudan expects to put more crude on the market and are seeking to expand the base of buyers. (COURTESY PHOTO)
JUBA- South Sudan’s Minister of Petroleum Ambassador Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth has announced that the government was inviting more refiners and traders to take part in its upcoming competitive tenders for government-owned crude cargoes.
“Due to efforts by the government, under the leadership of H.E President Salva Kiir to increase current production levels, with the target of reaching previous levels of more than 300,000 bpd, we do expect to put more crude on the market and are seeking to expand our base of buyers,” said Minister Gatkuoth.
The minister also said that South Sudan would sell its crude via a competitive and transparent tender process for spot and term buyers. “Prepayments allow the government to access revenue at competitive rates, especially as the government continues to finance the ongoing peace process,” the Minister said.
South Sudan has embarked on a peace process under the leadership of president Salva Kiir and First VP Taban Deng Gai which has significantly contributed to a resumption of work on previously abandoned oil fields.
Operating companies nationwide are engaged in preparing for oil production resumption, likely increasing production by the end of 2019 to 200,000bpd.
The expected increase in production is already having a significant positive impact on South Sudan’s economy, with thousands of young South Sudanese newly employed by oil operators to contribute to the production increase efforts.
“The government continues to be optimistic about the potential of South Sudan and the investment opportunities for energy industry players here,” said Minister Gatkuoth.
“Many young South Sudanese look at our oil industry for training, empowerment, innovation, and not just any job but good jobs. The oil industry will continue being the largest investor in the country and therefore has a special responsibility to work with the government and all South Sudanese to ensure that the resources benefits every South Sudanese.”
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