Oil operations in both Sudan and South Sudan have been thrown into disarray after a drone attack on the Heglig Oil Field forced companies to halt production and shut down key export pipelines, officials and industry workers confirmed over the weekend.
The assault, carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), struck the central processing facility in Heglig on Thursday, killing several technical staff and prompting an immediate shutdown. Petrolines for Crude Oil Co. Ltd (PETCO), which manages the field, said an unmanned aerial vehicle fired three missiles at the main workshop and laboratory.
In a formal notice, PETCO announced it had declared force majeure, allowing the company to suspend its obligations due to conditions beyond its control. “The facility was hit by three strikes,” the company said, confirming significant disruptions to production.
A Sudanese engineer who survived the attack told Radio Tamazuj that staff were evacuated shortly afterward.
“Three of our colleagues were killed,” he said. “We shut down the facility immediately. Many workers left, and only a few of us remain to monitor the situation.”
Pipeline Shutdown Follows Field Attack
The impact of the strike quickly rippled through the region’s interconnected oil infrastructure. Two days later, the Bashayer Pipeline Company (BAPCO), which transports crude from South Sudan through Sudan to Port Sudan, activated emergency protocols and shut down its system.
In a letter to the Dar Petroleum Operating Company (DPOC), BAPCO cited ongoing attacks on the Al Jabalain central processing facility and its power plant, saying it was closing operations “with immediate effect to safeguard both BAPCO and DPOC facilities.”
The dual shutdown has suspended the flow of crude from South Sudan, which relies almost entirely on Sudanese pipelines for export.
Heavy Revenue Losses Expected
The disruption is a major blow to both economies. Oil remains Sudan’s most valuable export, while South Sudan depends on crude for more than 90% of its government revenue. Analysts warn the shutdown could deepen fiscal pressures amid already fragile political and economic conditions.
Security Risks Rising
The attack on Heglig comes as fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF intensifies across several regions, raising concerns about the security of strategic infrastructure.
Companies say operations will remain suspended until security assessments are completed and workers can safely return.
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