Australia has expressed its interest to support South Sudan in the mining sector. This interest was disclosed by the Australian ambassador Geoff Tooth when he met with minister for Petroleum Stephen Dhieu Dau in Juba.
Australia has expressed its interest to support South Sudan in the mining sector. This interest was disclosed by the Australian ambassador Geoff Tooth when he met with minister for Petroleum Stephen Dhieu Dau in Juba.
Speaking to media after meeting, the minister said his ministry will begin issuing mining licenses early next year to interested and approved institutions.
Regarding fuel shortages in the country, the minister said about two hundred trucks of fuel are expected in Juba in the next two days.
“The fuel is being brought in from Mombasa, Kenya, to ease a current shortage. For us to prevent future shortages, the ministry is working on building a storage facility in Central Equatoria state,” he said.
The minister said land for the depot has already been identified in Nesito, east of Juba town, across the River Nile. He said the facility is expected to be opened in July next year.
“The ministry and the oil company Nile-Pet are working to avail fuel so that citizens do not suffer, although the fuel scarcity is beyond the control of the ministry,” he said.
This is the first time the ministry has clearly explained its position regarding shortage of fuel, which has been affecting business operations in the country for the last four months.
South Sudan is a landlocked country without power generation ability. The country depends on generators for its energy needs. This leads to consumption of a lot of fuel locally. At the same time, the country exports crude oil to international markets but doesn’t benefit directly due to lack of local refineries.
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