Despite being one of sub-Saharan Africa's largest oil producers, South Sudan paradoxically imports most of its refined petroleum products. This dependency has long been a drain on foreign exchange and a source of economic vulnerability. Now, that is finally changing.
Mini Refinery Operational in Unity State
In May 2025, Vice President Taban Deng announced that a mini oil refinery in Unity State is now operational[reference:34]. The facility, while modest in scale, marks an important first step toward domestic refining capacity. According to Vice President Deng, the facility will bring tangible benefits to Unity, Warrap, Ruweng, and other nearby states[reference:35].
Plans for a Major New Refinery
Looking further ahead, the government has approved a $3 billion proposal to build a new oil refinery at the Tharjiath field, also in Unity State[reference:36]. The project will be structured as a joint venture, with Nilepet holding a 30% stake and private company Quad Layer Holdings owning the remaining 70%[reference:37]. Quad Layer will also be responsible for constructing roads to connect the refinery to markets, ensuring efficient fuel distribution[reference:38].
Additionally, a Chinese firm, Shengli Oilfield Keer Engineering and Construction Company (SOKEC), signed an agreement with Nilepet to construct a modern oil refinery and storage facilities[reference:39].
South Sudan's broader plan is to increase oil production to 230,000 barrels per day by 2026 and develop a 60,000-bpd refinery to meet domestic demand[reference:40]. This would drastically reduce reliance on imported petroleum products, create job opportunities, and further contribute to economic growth[reference:41].
Equipment Needs for Refinery Construction
For Ashier, these developments represent significant opportunities. Refinery construction and expansion require a wide range of electrical and industrial equipment, including:
- Schneider Electric switchgear and MCCs for power distribution within refinery complexes
- Siemens PLCs and HMIs for process automation and control
- Emerson pressure and temperature transmitters for critical process monitoring
- Phoenix Contact surge protection and power supplies for reliable control system operation
- 3M electrical materials for cabling and terminations
- Nilfisk industrial vacuums for plant maintenance and hazardous dust control
As South Sudan builds its domestic refining capacity, the demand for high-quality industrial supplies will grow. Contact Ashier to discuss how we can support your refinery or infrastructure project.
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