Oil production has not been affected by the ongoing fighting in Upper Nile State, the Minister of Petroleum and Mining has said.

Stephen Dhieu Dau says production remains at 165,000 barrels per day.

This week, the SPLM in Opposition warned the oil workers to evacuate. And media reports suggest that some have already left.

Mr Dhieu says there is no need for the workers to leave.

“The ministry of petroleum and mining would like to reassure the foreign oil partners, joint operating companies and the entire citizens of South Sudan that the blocks: 3 [in Melut] and 7 [in Maban] are safe and secure and therefore, the operations continue normally,” Mr Dhieu said.

Mr Dhieu says the ministry will assess the oil facilities in Unity State soon. He says the assessment will lead to a projection about when to resume production.