South Sudan is targeting an increase in crude oil production to 200,000 barrels per day as the government moves to revive the petroleum sector and strengthen the country’s economy.
Santino Ayuel Longar, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Petroleum, said the government is working to increase production from existing oil fields while supporting new investments in the sector.
Ayuel said the production target is part of broader government efforts to maximize South Sudan’s oil resources and generate more revenue for the country.
“Our target is to increase oil production to 200,000 barrels per day, because we want to maximize our resources and ensure that the oil sector contributes more to the development of South Sudan,” Ayuel said.
South Sudan’s economy remains heavily dependent on oil, which provides a major source of government revenue and foreign exchange. Increasing production is therefore considered critical to strengthening the country’s finances and supporting national development.
The country has significant oil reserves, particularly in Unity and Upper Nile states, where major oil-producing fields are located. However, production has faced challenges in recent years, including disruptions to oil operations, infrastructure limitations and difficulties transporting crude to international markets.
Ayuel said the Ministry of Petroleum is working with partners and oil companies to address some of the challenges affecting production and create conditions for increased output.
Achieving the 200,000-barrel-per-day target would require investment in existing oil fields, rehabilitation of production facilities and improvements to infrastructure needed to transport crude oil.
The government is also seeking to increase the benefits South Sudan receives from its petroleum resources by expanding domestic refining capacity. Plans are underway for new refineries in Unity and Upper Nile states, which officials say could increase local fuel production and reduce the country’s reliance on imported petroleum products.
Higher oil production, combined with increased domestic refining, could help improve fuel availability and potentially reduce costs for consumers and businesses.
The petroleum sector also provides opportunities for employment and local businesses in areas including transportation, construction, engineering, logistics and oilfield services.
However, reaching the new production target will depend on continued investment, stable oil operations, reliable infrastructure and cooperation between the government and oil companies.
For South Sudan, increasing production to 200,000 barrels per day would represent a significant step toward rebuilding the petroleum industry and strengthening an economy that remains heavily dependent on oil revenues.
The government says it remains committed to developing the sector and ensuring that South Sudan’s oil resources contribute more directly to economic growth and national development.
