Manpower Shortage Poses Major Hurdle to Oil Production, Government Says

By Jenifer James

The government of South Sudan has confirmed ongoing production of 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day but warned that efficiency is being hampered by multiple obstacles, particularly a lack of skilled manpower.

The Undersecretary in the Ministry of Petroleum, Engineer Deng Lual Wol, led a high-level delegation to inspect the Paloch oil fields, Pumping Station 1, and the associated power plant, as part of ongoing efforts to assess achievements and address challenges in South Sudan’s oil production sector.

During the visit, Engineer Wol acknowledged the continued production of 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day but pointed to several obstacles hindering efficiency, most notably a shortage of skilled manpower.

“There is a real need to build our human capacity,” he said in a statement to SSBC. “If you want to increase production and sustain it easily, the best option is to go for Wagawa instead of drilling new wells. It’s less costly, takes less time, and yields more oil.”

Wol emphasised that the Ministry of Petroleum will roll out extensive manpower development initiatives aimed at training technicians and engineers to meet the industry’s growing demands.

“My focus in the oil industry this year is human development capacity building from the technician level up to engineers so that we are ready to take over when the time comes,” he added.

The Dar Petroleum Operating Company (DPOC), which oversees operations in Paloch, echoed the Ministry’s goals. DPOC Manager Mawien Kon acknowledged the economic pressures, stressing the importance of both reducing operational costs and increasing output.

“If the cost has increased, that will impact the government’s entitlement,” Kon said. “So our target this year is to minimise the cost and increase production.”

The Paloch oil field, located in South Sudan’s Upper Nile region, is a key component of the country’s petroleum infrastructure. Crude oil extracted from the field is transported through pipelines to Sudan and then to international markets, forming a vital lifeline for the South Sudanese economy.

The oil sector plays a crucial role in national development by funding government operations, infrastructure projects, and public services.