NNPC To Launch New ‘Cawthorne’ Crude Export In March
By ESTHER McWILLIS-IKHIDE
New Grade to Strengthen Nigeria’s Oil Recovery
THE Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) is set to begin export of a new light, sweet crude grade known as Cawthorne in March 2026, marking another step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to consolidate its oil production recovery.
According to a Reuters report, an NNPC spokesperson confirmed that the new crude stream will commence export in the third week of March. The development forms part of a broader strategy to increase output and reinforce Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading oil exporter.
The introduction of Cawthorne comes amid renewed efforts by the federal government to stabilise production levels following years of disruption caused by pipeline vandalism, crude theft, and unrest in oil-producing communities.
Quality Comparable to Bonny Light
Industry sources indicate that Cawthorne crude has an API gravity of 36.4, classifying it as light and sweet. This quality places it in a similar category to Bonny Light crude oil, one of Nigeria’s most sought-after grades due to its high gasoline and diesel yield.
A crude trader disclosed that NNPC recently issued a tender for cargo loading scheduled between 24 and 25 March, signalling readiness for commercial export.
Analysts note that light, sweet crude grades generally attract strong demand from refiners because they are easier and less costly to process compared to heavier blends.
Backed by Offshore Storage Infrastructure
The new crude stream will reportedly be exported via the Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel Cawthorne, which has a storage capacity of about 2.2 million barrels. The offshore facility is expected to enhance evacuation from Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 and nearby fields in the Eastern Niger Delta.
Energy intelligence firm Kpler estimates that the additional capacity could lift Nigeria’s combined crude and condensate output from approximately 1.65 million barrels per day (bpd) to about 1.7 million bpd in the months ahead.
The move follows the rollout of two other new grades — Obodo in 2025 and Utapate in 2024 — underscoring Nigeria’s drive to diversify its crude streams and strengthen its standing within OPEC+ production frameworks.
With Cawthorne set to enter the market, stakeholders anticipate a modest but significant boost to Nigeria’s export volumes and foreign exchange earnings in 2026.
