Oil is a central issue in Sudanese negotiations Khartoum - Abedalgoum Ashmeag South Sudan’s Oil Minister Stephen Deo has announced his country will resume pumping oil into northern neighbour Sudan, through processing centres in Heglig. As of Sunday, oil production was set at 25,000 barrels per day, although this number would gradually increase to 100,000, Deo told Arabstoday on Monday. “Preparations are underway to double production during the next year.” Fresh production will also begin in Upper Nile state during the week, with output expected at between 120,000 and 180,000 barrels per day. That number could increase to well over 250,000 barrels per day, Deo said. Fuel is currently being processed in central Sudanese processing centres in mountainous areas of White Nile state. The recent resumption of oil contracts and deals comes days after Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir visited South Sudan for the first time, marking a significant easing in tensions between the two African countries.