Contrary to promises made by the country’s energy ministry, South Sudan did not cease its crippling diversions of crude to Sudan in June, according to trading data seen by MEES.

Energy Minister Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth said in late February that Juba would cease the deliveries because it had apparently paid off debts to Khartoum: a combination of arrears in transit payments for the use of Sudan’s oil export infrastructure and overdue payments towards the $3.028bn agreed in compensation for Sudan’s loss of oil resources and infrastructure when the south became independent in July 2011. (CONTINUED - 1344 WORDS)