By William Madouk
Sudanese authorities are in a frantic move to fix ruptured pipelines that transport South Sudan’s crude oil to international markets through Sudan pipeline.
According to the Sudanese Sovereign Council press release seen by this outlet, the deputy chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, Malik Agar, was briefed by the minister of petroleum on an exerted plan to fix spoiled pipelines.
“The deputy chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council, Malik Agar, was briefed on the progress of the work and efforts made to repair the pipeline transporting oil of the Republic of South Sudan through Sudanese territory,” partly reads the statement.
Vice President Agar was enlightened yesterday by the Sudanese acting minister of petroleum and energy, Dr. Mohaldeen Niem, in Port Sudan, on the operational plan to repair the line transporting crude oil.
“During His Excellency’s meeting in his office in Port Sudan today, the acting minister of Energy and Petroleum, Dr. Mohaldeen Niem Saed, enlightened him on the work plan to fix the pipelines,” it added.
He pledged to overcome obstacles and challenges, vowing that the resumption of oil flow would start soon.
On his part, the Sudanese acting minister of petroleum, Dr. Mohaldeen Niem Saed, affirmed his docket’s keenness and serious endeavor to operate the oil pipelines in the near future.
Mr. Saed called on the Deputy Chairman of the Sudan Sovereign Council to review the process of resuming oil pumping soon.
A lawmaker earlier called on the Presidency and the national parliament to develop a comprehensive response plan for the impending economic crisis following challenges in South Sudan’s oil flow.
The chairperson of a standing committee on petroleum in the national assembly, Eng. Boutros Magaya, made the suggestion after Sudan admitted that it cannot guarantee the smooth export of oil from South Sudan.
According to him, the implications of the shutdown of the oil pipeline are vast, far-reaching, and have severe consequences for the country.
He added that each day of oil cessation could lead to losses of 105,000 barrels, which is equivalent to $100 million dollars.
“This will result in significant losses of income, an increase in market prices, fuel shortages, prolonged power outages, disruptions in transportation, and other essential services that are vital for the well-being of our citizens,” he noted.
Mr. Magaya added that disruption of oil flow is a direct attack on economic lifelines and poses a threat to peace and stability, saying that the president must conduct a meeting with stakeholders to find an instant solution.