Plizio Visual Lab

Unity Oil Field

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Unity Oil Field, located north of Bentiu in Unity State, is one of the oldest and most historically significant petroleum sites in South Sudan. Discovered by Chevron in the late 1970s, its finding was a major catalyst for increasing tensions between North and South Sudan. The field is part of Block 1 and produces the sought-after 'Nile Blend' crude, characterized by its low viscosity and minimal sulfur content. Geographically, the oil field spans the flat alluvial plains of the Muglad Basin and features extensive industrial infrastructure, much of which suffered heavy damage during successive conflicts. The resumption of production at Unity following peace agreements was a cornerstone of South Sudan's nation-building efforts. The Unity field is linked via pipeline to the Heglig oil field and forms an integral component of the national energy grid. Despite its output potential, the area remains a highly sensitive security zone due to its proximity to the contested border with Sudan.

Location: South Sudan
Nearby: Rubkona (19 km)

Best time to visit & climate

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	29	31	33	33	31	28	27	26	27	28	28	29
Rain mm	0	0	2	24	104	124	162	187	159	89	4	1

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Unity Oil Field in South Sudan was one of the first fields explored in the country and remains a pillar of the national economy. It supplies a large portion of South Sudan's crude oil exports and is crucial for energy supply and state revenues.

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Visiting

The oil field is a heavily secured industrial area, not accessible to the public. From surrounding villages or the main road near Bentiu, the flare towers and extraction facilities are visible in the distance.

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Where to view it

A good vantage point is the hill west of Bentiu, offering a wide view over the oil field and the surrounding marshland. The flares are also recognizable in the distance from the bridge over the Bahr el-Ghazal River.

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Local products

In the Bentiu region, agricultural products such as sorghum, millet, and sesame are grown and traded at local markets. Livestock farming, especially cattle, also provides milk and meat that shape the local diet.

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Active season

Oil extraction is active year-round, with fluctuations due to maintenance and political conditions. The agricultural harvest season occurs in the rainy season from June to September, when sorghum and sesame are harvested.

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Nearby

A visit to the oil field area can be combined with exploring Bentiu, which has a local market and a refugee camp as a historic site. A trip into the Sudd swamp, Africa's largest wetland, is also possible and worthwhile.

Geography

Coordinates

9.47000, 29.87000

Facts

The Unity field was the site of the first major oil discovery in South Sudan in 1979.
It belongs to Block 1 of the Muglad Basin and is managed by the GPOC consortium.
The field produces 'Nile Blend' crude, highly valued for its low sulfur content.
Much of the field's infrastructure was severely damaged during the post-2013 conflict.
A 12-inch pipeline connects the Unity field production to the Heglig hub.
Bentiu city serves as the primary logistical support center for the field's operations.