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The Court of Appeal in Juba is expected to resume hearing on Monday, 7 July, in the high-profile case challenging the government-to-government fuel import arrangement that granted Pacific Petroleum Company Limited exclusive rights to import and supply petroleum products to South Sudan.

The proceedings follow an earlier interim injunction issued by the Court of Appeal on 24 June, temporarily suspending implementation of the agreement after a public interest petition was filed by Advocates Without Borders.

The organization argues that the arrangement created an unlawful monopoly, undermined fair competition and negatively affected consumers and other oil marketing companies.

A subsequent court order dated 2 July, seen by Eye Radio directed the Ministry of Petroleum to revoke a letter issued by its Undersecretary on 24 June, which the court said violated its earlier injunction.

In the order signed by Justice Malou Yel Akook, President of the Court of Appeal for the Greater Equatoria Circuit, the court instructed the Ministry to revoke the letter by 7 July and ordered all parties to appear before the court on that date for further proceedings.

The case pits Advocates Without Borders against the Ministry of Petroleum as the first respondent and Pacific Petroleum Limited as the second respondent.

In its original petition, Advocates Without Borders argued that the exclusive fuel supply arrangement was awarded through a single-source process without competition or public scrutiny, contrary to laws promoting fair competition.

The group contends that the agreement has reduced competition, forced fuel dealers to rely on a single supplier and contributed to higher fuel prices, while placing many petroleum companies at risk of closure.

Court documents previously reported by Eye Radio indicate that the Ministry of Petroleum informed Kenyan authorities in late 2025 that petroleum products destined for South Sudan would be imported under the government-to-government framework exclusively through Pacific Petroleum. The company has maintained that the arrangement was intended to ensure security of fuel supply, transparency and efficiency in the sector.

Monday’s hearing is expected to focus on compliance with the court’s orders and the next steps in determining the legality of the fuel import framework.

A decision in the case could have significant implications for South Sudan’s petroleum sector, particularly on whether the exclusive import arrangement remains in force or competition is restored pending the final determination of the petition.