The New Kings of Crude

The New Kings of Crude examines China and India's pursuit of oil resources in Sudan and South Sudan. Through extensive research and interviews, author Luke Patey traces the parallel stories of China National Petroleum Corporation and India's ONGC Videsh Limited as they expand into African oil markets. The book follows these Asian oil giants as they navigate civil war, economic sanctions, and complex relationships with Western competitors in Sudan. Patey documents the companies' initial entry into Sudan in the 1990s and their subsequent efforts to maintain access to oil reserves after South Sudan's independence in 2011. The narrative spans multiple continents and decades, incorporating perspectives from oil executives, government officials, and local communities affected by the presence of foreign oil companies. Key events covered include the Darfur crisis, construction of major pipelines, and negotiations between Sudanese leaders and Asian oil representatives. This work reveals how the global competition for energy resources shapes international relations and conflicts in the modern era. Through the lens of Sudan's oil industry, Patey illustrates the shifting dynamics between established Western powers and rising Asian economies in Africa.

Readers describe this book as an in-depth look at China and India's oil investments in Sudan, with strong reporting and research on the business and political dynamics. Positives from reviews: - Clear explanation of complex oil politics and corporate dealings - Detailed first-hand accounts from key players - Balanced coverage of Chinese and Indian perspectives - Strong historical context about Sudan's civil conflicts Common criticisms: - Dense with technical details and industry jargon - Pacing slows in later chapters - Some repetition of points - Limited coverage of environmental impacts One reader noted: "Patey connects the dots between national oil companies, civil wars, and international relations in a way few other books have managed." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (43 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (12 ratings) The most frequent praise focuses on Patey's access to oil executives and government officials, while criticisms center on the book's technical complexity for general readers.

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🛢️ China and India's competition for Sudan's oil resources led to unprecedented cooperation between the two nations, with their state oil companies CNPC and ONGC working together on some projects despite being rivals. 🌍 Author Luke Patey conducted over 300 interviews across four continents while researching this book, including conversations with senior Chinese and Indian oil executives, Sudanese officials, and Western diplomats. ⚔️ During Sudan's civil war, Chinese oil workers had to operate in militarized zones, with some facilities resembling fortresses complete with underground bunkers and armed security forces. 💰 Sudan's oil industry grew from producing virtually no oil in 1999 to becoming sub-Saharan Africa's third-largest producer by 2006, largely due to Asian investment. 🏗️ The construction of Sudan's oil infrastructure required building the longest heated pipeline in the world at the time, stretching 1,500 kilometers from the oil fields to Port Sudan on the Red Sea.