On 21 November 2018 it was reported that South Sudan signed a memorandum of understanding with Gazprom for oil exploration in the country. South Sudan petroleum minister Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth said that Gazprom will start oil exploration activities on four acreage blocks. The location of the blocks has not been given.  It is understood that currently South Sudan has 12 exploration blocks available for licensing. Total open acreage amounts to 209,794 sq km, all onshore.Â Blocks are available in the two main prospective areas, the Melut and Muglad basins.
Sudan South Sudan Government cooperates with Gazprom