A landmark deal between Sudan and South Sudan has started to deliver real gains. Sudan has added some 30,000 b/d in production since the beginning of the year, while South Sudan is looking to increase output by up to 80,000 b/d by the end of the year, according to the energy ministry in Khartoum.

South Sudan resumed production of 20,000 b/d from the Toma South oil field in former Unity state on 25 August, according to a statement the following day by the Oil Minister of neighbouring Sudan, Azhari Abdulqader. It is the first of five fields that will come onstream by the end of the year with a targeted hike in production of a combined 80,000 b/d, according to Mr Abdulqader. South Sudan could return to pre-secession production of 375,000 b/d within three years, he reckons. (CONTINUED - 1187 WORDS)