(Ecofin agency) – After several months of interruption of its gross exports, which strongly affected an economy taking 98 % of its oil income, South Sudan had managed to restore expeditions via Port -Soudan, the only maritime outlet for its oil.
A series of drone strikes allocated to rapid support forces (FSR) hit the Port-Soudan fuel deposits on Tuesday, May 6, directly disturbing the operation of the oil terminal through which the crude of the South Sudan transit for international markets.
Indeed, the targeted installations stored part of the southern southern brut transported by pipeline from the oil fields of Haut-Nil. They also provide the fuel and electricity necessary for the pumping and loading operations of ships.
With these targeted facilities, the Southern Sudan oil logistics chain appears to be weakened again, even though the exports had taken up after several months of interruption linked to the conflict between the FSR and the Sudanese army.
This recovery started a few weeks ago, was materialized by the delivery of the first cargoes again via Port-Soudan. For Juba, which derives more than 90 % of its oil income, this new partial interruption highlights the structural exposure of an export system entirely dependent on infrastructure located outside its borders and exposed to an armed conflict.
At this point, the extent of the damage has not yet been specified, and the South Sudanian government has not expressed itself on the subject. Any sustainable degradation of security in Port-Soudan may affect insurance, transportation contracts and exported volumes.
While the South Sudanese crude remains one of the few stable resources in the country, this attack potentially compromises recent efforts aimed at increasing state revenues. It highlights the urgency of securing, diversifying or at least strengthening the resilience of the export routes.
Recall that the previous suspension of exports caused the prices of basic necessities, contributing to an annual inflation estimated at 55 % in 2024, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Abdel-Latif Boureima
Edited by Wilfried Assogba
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03/14/2025 – South Sudan: World Bank Tables a 30 % recession in 2024-2025
21/10/2024 – South Sudan: Resumption of oil exports via Sudan
