Nigeria is set to commence exports of a new light, sweet crude grade known as Cawthorne in March, marking another milestone in the country’s push to increase oil production. Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited confirmed the development, noting that the first cargo is expected to sail in the third week of March. The move signals renewed momentum in Nigeria’s oil sector following years of output disruptions caused by theft, vandalism, and insecurity in the Niger Delta.
The introduction of Cawthorne crude comes as Nigeria seeks to solidify its standing within Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and push for stronger production performance. Nigeria’s current quota under the OPEC+ framework stands at 1.5 million barrels per day, with January production hovering around 1.48 million barrels per day. Industry insiders say the new crude stream could help the country consistently meet — and potentially exceed — its allocated target.
Cawthorne crude, with an API gravity of 36.4, is comparable to Nigeria’s flagship Bonny Light, a highly sought-after blend valued for its high gasoline and diesel yields. NNPC reportedly issued a tender for the new grade for loading between March 24 and 25. Analysts at Kpler expect exports to be handled through the Floating Storage and Offloading vessel Cawthorne, which can store approximately 2.2 million barrels, enhancing evacuation capacity from Oil Mining Lease 18 and nearby assets in the eastern Niger Delta.
Energy experts believe the launch could raise Nigeria’s crude and condensate supply from about 1.65 million barrels per day to roughly 1.7 million barrels per day, depending on operational stability and market demand. For oil-dependent communities and government revenue planners alike, the additional output represents more than just barrels — it signals potential economic breathing space at a time of fluctuating global oil prices.
Cawthorne becomes the third new crude grade introduced in recent years, following Obodo in 2025 and Utapate in 2024. Under President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria has intensified reforms aimed at improving security across oil infrastructure, restoring investor confidence, and boosting national revenue. While challenges persist, sustained production growth and diversified export streams could strengthen Africa’s largest oil producer in an increasingly competitive global energy market.
source: punch