South Sudan launches first oil and gas licensing round

South Sudan has launched its first oil and gas licensing round in a bid to accelerate exploration and production at new and existing blocks. A total of five blocks have been offered (A2, A5, B1, B4 and D2), ranging from 4,000–25,000 sq km in size.

According to new analysis commissioned by South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum, some 90% of the country’s oil and gas reserves remain unexplored, providing ‘unprecedented opportunities to international investors’.

Currently there are three consortiums operating producing blocks in South Sudan, with another four oil exploration companies having acquired production sharing contracts.