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Bentiu Oil Refinery

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Industrial site
—°2
Bentiu Oil Refinery (South Sudan)

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The Bentiu Oil Refinery, located in Unity State, is a strategic industrial facility central to South Sudan's economic sovereignty. The plant was constructed near the prolific oil fields of the Unity Block to reduce the nation's heavy reliance on imported petroleum products from Sudan and Kenya. As one of the first refineries planned and built following independence in 2011, its primary goal is to produce diesel and heavy fuel oil for the domestic market. Despite its strategic importance, the refinery has faced numerous challenges, including being a target during civil conflicts, which delayed its full commissioning and consistent operation. The facility has a processing capacity of several thousand barrels per day and serves as a symbol of South Sudan's drive to add value to its natural resources within its borders. The refinery's operation is crucial for powering local infrastructure and lowering fuel prices in the northern regions of the country. Securing and upgrading the Bentiu refinery remains a top priority in the national energy strategy to foster long-term industrial growth.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C293133333128272627282829
Rain mm002241041241621871598941

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Bentiu Oil Refinery in South Sudan was built to meet the domestic demand for refined petroleum products. It is a key facility for the country's energy independence and the region's economy.
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Visiting
The refinery is a secured industrial site not open to the public. From the nearby town of Bentiu, however, the facilities can be seen from a distance, especially in the evening when the flares burn.
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Where to view it
The best view of the refinery is from the main road leading into Bentiu. From the low hills west of the town, there is also a wide view of the smoking chimneys and storage tanks.
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Local products
The refinery produces petrol, diesel, and kerosene for the local market. Travellers can buy these products at petrol stations in Bentiu and other South Sudanese towns, but not directly at the plant.
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Active season
The refinery operates around the clock, with maintenance work in the drier months. Production is stable year-round, but can be affected by logistical issues and security situations.
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Nearby
Combine a visit with the town of Bentiu, a regional trading centre with markets. The nearby Nile and the Sudd wetland offer opportunities for boat trips and birdwatching.

Geography

Coordinates
9.25000, 29.82000

Facts

  • The Bentiu refinery has a design capacity of approximately 10,000 barrels per day.
  • It was constructed as a joint venture between the government and Russian investors.
  • The facility primarily focuses on producing diesel for power generators and trucks.
  • Operations were completely halted in 2013 due to the outbreak of the civil war.
  • The refinery was officially recommissioned in 2021 after extensive technical repairs.
  • Processing oil locally saves South Sudan millions of dollars in transportation and import fees.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Bentiu StadiumBentiu Stadium2 km · SWExplore →
RubkonaRubkona3 km · NEExplore →
Unity Oil FieldUnity Oil Field22 km · EExplore →
Mala Oil FieldMala Oil Field27 km · NExplore →
Ghadames OasisGhadames Oasis39 km · NEExplore →
Ghadames Old TownGhadames Old Town42 km · NEExplore →
PariangPariang43 km · NEExplore →
Thar Jath Oil FieldThar Jath Oil Field46 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Bentiu Oil Refinery (2)

Bentiu massacre📍 landmark

Memorial site for the victims of violent events that occurred in Bentiu.

Bentiu📍 landmark

Town in Unity State, known as a hub for the oil industry in South Sudan.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bentiu oil refinery publicly accessible?
No, access is strictly forbidden for security reasons.
Why is this place strategically important?
The refinery is crucial for the processing of local oil reserves.
Are there dangers in the area?
The security situation is often unstable; traveling is strongly discouraged.
Where exactly is Bentiu?
Bentiu is located in the north of the country near the border.
What does the place mean for the economy?
It is a hub of the petrochemical industry.
Bentiu Oil Refinery: where is it located?
Bentiu Oil Refinery is located in South Sudan.
Bentiu Oil Refinery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bentiu massacre, Bentiu.
Bentiu Oil Refinery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Bentiu Oil Refinery: why is it worth visiting?
The Bentiu Oil Refinery, located in Unity State, is a strategic industrial facility central to South Sudan's economic sovereignty.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Leer — Bentiu Oil Refinery (South Sudan)
Leer
Leer is a significant town in Unity State and a historical center for the Nuer community.
Bentiu — Bentiu Oil Refinery (South Sudan)
Bentiu
Bentiu is the capital of the oil-rich Unity State and a major economic center in the north.
Rubkona — Bentiu Oil Refinery (South Sudan)
Rubkona
Rubkona is the twin city of Bentiu and a major transport hub with an active airport.
Mayom — Bentiu Oil Refinery (South Sudan)
Mayom
Mayom is a strategically located town in the western part of Unity State.
🗺️
Panyijar
Panyijar is located in the south of Unity State in a water-rich swampy landscape.
🗺️
Ganyliel
Ganyliel is an isolated town in the Sudd swamps, accessible mainly by boat.
Pariang — Bentiu Oil Refinery (South Sudan)
Pariang
Pariang is the administrative center of the Ruweng Administrative Area and is in the heart of oil production.

History & landmarks

Bentiu Stadium — Bentiu Oil Refinery (South Sudan)
Bentiu Stadium
An important sports and community hub in the oil-rich city of Bentiu.

Nature

Lake No — Bentiu Oil Refinery (South Sudan)
Lake No
A lake in South Sudan where the Bahr al-Jabal and Bahr al-Ghazal rivers meet.
Bahr el Ghazal — Bentiu Oil Refinery (South Sudan)
Bahr el Ghazal
A major left tributary of the White Nile, flowing through extensive swampy regions.

More places

🗺️
Unity Oil Field
The Unity Oil Field was one of the first fields explored in South Sudan and remains a pillar of the national economy.
Mala Oil Field — Bentiu Oil Refinery (South Sudan)
Mala Oil Field
An important field in the Unity block, known for its stable extraction volumes.
Thar Jath Oil Field — Bentiu Oil Refinery (South Sudan)
Thar Jath Oil Field
A significant oil extraction center in Unity State, contributing substantially to the country's export volume.
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Ghadames Oasis
A green oasis with traditional cultivation.
Ghadames Old Town — Bentiu Oil Refinery (South Sudan)
Ghadames Old Town
Known as the pearl of the desert, the city is distinguished by its traditional mud-brick architecture and covered alleys.