By Brian Kiprono & Agencies - Reporter
Sudan, 16 November 2025 - Oil flows between Sudan and South Sudan have ground to a halt after a deadly drone strike on the Heglig Oil Field triggered cascading shutdowns across the region’s most important energy infrastructure, raising fears of a broader economic and security fallout.
The attack, carried out by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), struck the central processing facility in Heglig on Thursday, killing several oil workers and forcing operators to suspend production.
Petrolines for Crude Oil Co. Ltd (PETCO), which manages operations at the field, said an unmanned aerial vehicle fired three missiles at the maintenance workshop and laboratory, prompting the company to declare force majeure.
Heglig is one of the most strategically sensitive points in the region’s oil network. Crude from landlocked South Sudan is pumped through Sudanese pipelines to Port Sudan on the Red Sea, making the corridor essential for both countries’ economies.
A Sudanese engineer who survived the attack told Radio Tamazuj that workers fled in panic as explosions hit the compound.
“Three of our colleagues were killed… We shut down the facility immediately. Most workers have left. Only a few of us remain to monitor the situation,” he said, describing a tense atmosphere as fears of renewed attacks grow.
The impact of the strike quickly rippled downstream.
On Saturday, the Bashayer Pipeline Company (BAPCO) announced an emergency shutdown of its trunk lines after its Al Jabalain central processing facility and power plant also came under attack.
In a notice to Dar Petroleum Operating Company (DPOC), BAPCO said it had activated its Emergency Control Centre and was suspending operations “with immediate effect” to protect staff and equipment.
The dual shutdowns mark one of the most significant interruptions to the Sudan–South Sudan oil system since conflict escalated last year.
Both operators say the measures are precautionary as they reassess security around their installations.
The halt comes at a heavy cost. Oil revenues account for more than 90 percent of South Sudan’s government income, while Sudan relies on transit fees and refined products to keep its economy afloat.
Energy analysts warn that prolonged disruptions could deepen fiscal instability in both nations and further complicate international efforts to broker a ceasefire.
Regional Oil Corridor Faces Major Disruption After Deadly Drone Strike in Sudan
RSF Drone Strike on Heglig Halts Sudan-South Sudan Oil Flow
