South Sudan holds an estimated 3.5 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, making it one of sub-Saharan Africa's most significant petroleum frontiers[reference:0]. Yet nearly 90% of its oil and gas reserves remain untapped[reference:1]. With production currently hovering around 95,000 barrels per day (bpd) — far below the pre-2013 peak of 300,000 bpd — the country is racing to revive its most vital industry[reference:2].
For engineering and procurement firms like Ashier, this represents a major opportunity to supply critical equipment and expertise.
The Key Players: Joint Operating Companies
South Sudan's oil sector is structured around several Joint Operating Companies (JOCs) that manage production across the main blocks:
- Dar Petroleum Operating Company (DPOC): Operates Blocks 3 and 7 in the Melut Basin. Shareholders include CNPC, Petronas, Nile Petroleum Corporation (8% equity), Sinopec, and Tri-Ocean[reference:3]. In early 2025, DPOC resumed production with a target of 90,000 bpd[reference:4].
- Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC): Manages Blocks 1, 2, and 4. Its partners are CNPC, Petronas, and Nile Petroleum Corporation (5% equity)[reference:5]. GPOC is working to boost output at the Unity field, aiming for an additional 40,000 bpd[reference:6].
- Sudd Petroleum Operating Company (SPOC): Operates Block 5A, with Petronas and Nile Petroleum Corporation (8% equity)[reference:7].
The national oil company, Nile Petroleum Corporation (Nilepet), holds minority stakes in all JOCs and is the government's primary vehicle for managing the sector[reference:8].
Recovery Under Pressure
After a year-long shutdown due to pipeline damage and conflict in Sudan, South Sudan resumed oil exports in January 2025[reference:9]. The government has since taken aggressive steps to boost output, including a technical cooperation plan with CNPC to rehabilitate Blocks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7[reference:10]. Recent drilling in Blocks 3 and 7 has already added over 10,000 bpd, pushing national output above 100,000 bpd[reference:11].
At the same time, South Sudan is actively seeking new investment. The country launched its first-ever licensing round in 2021, offering five exploration blocks to foreign investors[reference:12]. Ashier is well-positioned to support both existing operators and new entrants with quality electrical and industrial supplies.
How Ashier Supports South Sudan's Oil Sector
As a trusted supplier of electrical, automation, and industrial equipment, Ashier can provide critical components to petroleum operators in South Sudan, including:
- Siemens PLCs and switchgear for process control at oil gathering stations and refineries
- WIKA pressure and temperature instruments for wellhead monitoring and pipeline safety
- Fluke test and measurement tools for maintenance teams and field inspections
- 3M electrical tapes and terminations for cable repairs and installations
With production expected to rise toward the 230,000 bpd target by 2026, the demand for reliable industrial supplies will only grow[reference:13]. Contact Ashier today to discuss how we can support your operations in South Sudan.
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