Sudan oil minister, Mohamed Zayed Awad (photo), held talks with Chinese officials to construct the first gas pipeline in Sudan and means of developing the gas industry.

The oil minister said he conversed with officials from China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) on how to develop oil crude and natural gas extraction systems in Sudan so as to boost national production. He also discussed the adoption of a partnership contract with an undisclosed Chinese natural gas company for the building of a natural gas processing facilities and deposits in Sudan.

Awad said the talks was aimed at boosting natural gas production, transportation and distribution from a well site to an end consumer.

Sudan plans to take advantage of the declining oil prices to develop its natural gas industry. China decided in 2015 to undertake new oil explorations and increase its oil operations in Sudan.

Under the agreement reached in September 2015, China is to search for oil and gas in the Red Sea, Sinnar, and West Kordofan.

Sudan lost three quarters of its oil income when South Sudan withdrew in 2011 and presently produces approximately 115,000 bpd.

Anita Fatunji