South Sudan to shut oil production over thefts

[January 24, 2012]  JUBA, South Sudan (AP) -- A South Sudan official says the country is shutting down its oil production because Sudan is stealing its oil.

South Sudan Minister of Information Barnaba Marial Benjamin said Monday that oil companies operating in the country were instructed to begin shutting down operations in the country's oil fields as of Sunday.

Benjamin said oil production cannot be easily stopped, so companies have been given two weeks to carry out the order.

South Sudan's oil flows through pipelines in Sudan. South Sudan has accused Sudan of stealing its oil.

[Associated Press]

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