South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum says that ‘technical problems’ have reduced production at the country’s still-functioning oil fields in Upper Nile State.  

A petroleum ministry official told Reuters news agency today that oil production had fallen to about 170,000 barrels per day, compared to a pre-crisis level of about 190,000-200,000 b/d.

According to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, there is no connection between the attack on the state capital Malakal on Tuesday and the production drop, which he says happened before the fighting. He says 167,367 barrels were pumped on Monday and 168,403 on Tuesday.

"The reduction has nothing to do with the fighting but more (to do with) technical issues," noted the official. "We have had to rely on river transport for technical equipment for the last two months and you cannot guarantee safety on that channel."

Nicodemus Ajak Bior, spokesman of the petroleum ministry, likewise told Eye Radio in Juba that production has dropped at the Upper Nile fields, but denied it was related to the war.

“The reduction in oil production is not because there is an attack… it is just because of a technical issue, not anything related to what is going on right now in Malakal,” he explained.

‘Oil areas are far from the battle’

Col. Philip Aguer, the spokesman of the South Sudanese army, told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday that the army was still present in the northern part of Malakal.

“The oil areas are far from the battle. SPLA is controlling those areas in Adar and Paloich,” said Aguer, mentioning areas about 140 km (90 miles) north from the state capital.

He acknowledged that opposition forces were controlling “part of Baliet and part of Pigi,” counties near the city. Other territories in the state under opposition control include Maiwut, Nasser and most of Manyo.

On the other hand, the military spokesman of the opposition forces loyal to Riek Machar said the army “are running towards Akoka,” north of Malakal. He claimed they were pursuing these forces.

Some oil workers leave

Upper Nile State Minister of Petroleum and Mining Francis Ayul told Gurtong Media on Wednesday that some oil workers from Adar in Paloich already evacuated to Juba. The oil workers who left are reportedly ‘non-essential.’

“I think they fear because of a report that the oil field will be attacked on the 21st which is tomorrow,” said the state minister. “We have forces in the oil field around Paloich, Adar, Guel-guk, and within Paloich center. The rebels will not attempt.”

Deputy governor: ‘Time for solidarity’

Philip Akol Amon, the state’s Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Parliamentary Affars, and acting deputy governor, said “Our message to the citizens in the state is for solidarity. Solidarity with each other.”

“If any disaster happens, let the man who has something share with the one who has nothing… Solidarity with each other and coexistence, that’s what’s needed at this stage,” he stated in an interview with Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday.

Related coverage:

Malakal overrun third time by opposition fighters (18 Feb.)

Aid operations scaling up in oil town Melut (6 Feb.)

Upper Nile oil output to fall by at least 30%: traders (3 Feb.)