In an interview with AOP, South Sudan’s Minister of Petroleum Hon. Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth said the government has established a security force to ensure the protection of the country’s oilfields. Gatkuoth said that the oil protection force would protect the oilfields as the country works towards bringing production back on stream at numerous fields.
“Investors will be protected. We are committed to attracting new investment from global partners and increasing exploration activities,” he said, announcing the government’s commitment to creating a safe operating environment.
He also said that the national oil company Nilepet is seeking partners for joint ventures across the energy spectrum.
Today, taking to the AOP main stage with a panel consisting of Ministry of Petroleum officials and the Vice President of Dar Petroleum Operating Company, the minister said the government was open to new explorers entering the country, particularly in blocks B1 and B2. He and the panel emphasized that South Sudan is seeking service companies to bring new technology to the oilfields to meet environmental, production and community targets.
AOP 2018 takes place as the Toma South oilfield comes back on stream after five years. The field entered production on August 25 and produces 45,000 barrels per day (bpd) from six wells.
“In Toma South alone we have 32 wells. As soon as more … go into production, output will increase,” he said. He added that blocks 1, 2, and 4 previously produced 120,000 bpd and that the blocks could reach 70,000 bpd by the end of this year and 120,000 bpd by 2019.
