The ministry of foreign affairs says it has asked the Sudanese government to reduce the oil transit fees due to fall of oil prices in the world market.

South Sudan relies on oil to meet up to 80% of its budgetary obligations.

On Sunday, Brent crude, used as an international benchmark, fell to about $28 per barrel, before recovering slightly to trade at $29.

South Sudan’s crude was selling at about $20 per barrel.

But it pays about $24 from the sale of each barrel of crude to Sudan to cover for financial arrangements after the independence.

The spokesperson of the ministry of foreign affairs, Amb Mawien Makol, says the government has submitted a proposal on how to reduce the transit fees and the amount being paid to Sudan after independence.

He could not give specifications on the figures, but says the Sudanese government had accepted to negotiate on the matter.

“Sudan, of course, accepted to sit with us again and see whether the payment that we have been making can be adjusted,” Amb Makol confirmed to Eye Radio.

The statement comes after the former Minister of Petroleum, Dr Lual Achuek, said South Sudan was getting ‘nothing’ from the sales of her crude.

However, according to the Khartoum media, the Sudanese government has refused to reduce the transit fees and the amount it receives in financial compensation for the independence of South Sudan.