Sudan\'s petroleum minister pledges to increase oil production

Sudan\'s petroleum minister, Awad Ahmed al-Jaz Khartoum – Abed Algayoum Ashmeag Sudan\'s petroleum minister, Awad Ahmed al-Jaz, pledged Saturday to implement the government’s plans to increase oil production this year, despite the damage caused to the oil installations in Heglig last April.
According to the state\'s official news agency (SUNA), the minister said he was determined to increase oil produced from Heglig fields, which is operated by a consortium of Chinese, Malaysia, Indian and Sudanese companies, called the Greater Nile Petroleum Operating Co (GNPOC).
The minister, was in Heglig to inspect the ongoing works to restore old power stations, and to establish additions stations to cover electricity needs in  all the oil wells in the region.
In January the petroleum minister had pledged that oil production would reach 180,000 barrels per day by the end of the year. He also pledged to provide the country\'s oil consumption needs until this time, considering it the government\'s responsibility towards its citizens.