ONGC Videsh Ltd. says oil production from two areas in South Sudan remains shut since Dec. 22 due to civil strife.
Greater Pioneer Operating Co. (GPOC) had been producing about 37,000 b/d, while SUDD Petroleum Operating Co. (SPOC) had been producing about 4,600 b/d. ONGC Videsh has 25% participating interest in GPOC and 24.125% participating interest in SPOC.
According to ONGC Videsh, the joint operating companies considered “the deteriorating security situation in the country” and decided to “temporarily” shut down operations. The shutdown followed standard procedures, ONGC said, and production was “completely stopped” on Dec. 22.
ONGC Videsh, India’s largest international exploration and production company, evacuated all 11 personnel posted in South Sudan and said other partners have evacuated most of their personnel.
The company said it is in contact with its partners and the Indian Embassy at Juba and that operations will be resumed “once the situation is normalized.”
ONGC said partners in GPOC are CNPC, Petronas and Nilepet and partners in SPOC are Petronas and Nilepet.
