China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) has formally requested to end its partnership with Sudan’s Ministry of Energy and Oil in the production-sharing agreement and crude oil pipeline for Block 6 in West Kordofan, Darfur24 reported.

The block is operated by PetroEnergy, a joint venture between CNPC and Sudapet, under which the Chinese firm was granted exploration, production, and sales rights. CNPC sent a letter requesting a meeting in Juba, South Sudan, to discuss early termination, aiming for a closure by December 31, 2025.

CNPC noted that cooperation with Sudan began in 1995, but operations faced major challenges after the armed conflict erupted on April 15, 2023. The company evacuated its Khartoum headquarters and set up temporary offices in Port Sudan and Beijing. Despite sabotage and blockades, PetroEnergy maintained minimal production until October 30, 2023, before security threats and repeated attacks forced a halt.

Attempts to resume production through new security measures and staff relocation to eastern fields were unsuccessful. CNPC said continuation is impossible unless armed conflict stops, describing the decision to end the agreements as unavoidable.

The Heglig oil field has also faced drone attacks attributed to Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which may launch a ground assault after capturing Babonosa. The Sudanese army remains at its Heglig base, while RSF controls Al-Majlad and parts of Kharsana.