Oil production by the Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC) in South Sudan has increased to 60,158 barrels per day, marking a significant recovery in output from ageing oil fields.
The announcement was made on Thursday, June 4, by the Ministry of Petroleum, which said production had risen from around 40,000 barrels per day following operational improvements across Blocks 1, 2, 3 and 4 in Unity State.
Officials attributed the increase to enhanced field development strategies, improved infrastructure and technical interventions aimed at reversing natural decline rates in mature oil reservoirs. Petroleum Ministry Undersecretary Dr. Santino Ayuel Longer praised GPOC leadership, describing the achievement as evidence of resilience, innovation and strengthened partnership within the sector.
He noted that despite a natural annual decline rate of about 25 percent in mature fields, the company had managed to stabilize and boost output through targeted recovery techniques and new infrastructure, which alone contributed over 6,000 barrels per day.
GPOC President He Yanhui said the focus remains on sustaining production while managing operational risks and applying technology to further increase output. The ministry also reported that combined national production from major operators, including DAR Petroleum, GPOC and SPOC, now stands at about 174,000 barrels per day.
South Sudan remains heavily dependent on oil revenues, which form the backbone of government income. Officials say the latest increase offers a measure of economic relief amid ongoing fiscal pressures and infrastructure constraints.
However, the sector continues to face structural vulnerabilities, including ageing fields, technical limitations and disruptions to export routes through Sudan, where conflict has affected pipeline operations since 2024.