Nigeria is set to begin exporting a new crude oil grade called Cawthorne in March 2026. This new stream is part of the country’s broader strategy to boost its crude production and expand its presence in the global oil market.
A Reuters report said a spokesperson of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) confirmed it, adding that it will add to a recent recovery in output from Nigeria.
According to the report, the launch is part of Nigeria’s broader attempt to increase production, which has long been hampered by conflict and oil theft. This comes after the introduction of two additional new grades, like Utapate in 2024 and Obodo in 2025.
According to analysts at Kpler, the new grade could help lift Nigeria’s combined crude and condensate supply from about 1.65 million barrels per day (bpd) to roughly 1.7 million bpd for the rest of the year. This is notable as Nigeria’s recent production (1.48 million bpd in January) is already close to its OPEC+ quota of 1.5 million bpd.
The report quoted a source familiar with the transaction, which said the Cawthorne crude will be due to be exported in the third week of March.
It said the crude has an API gravity of 36.4, “making it similar in quality to Nigeria’s Bonny Light, valued for its high yields of gasoline and diesel.”
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NNPC last week issued a tender for the grade for March 24-25, a trader said.
Quality Comparison
The crude grade is similar to Nigeria’s benchmark Bonny Light crude, valued for high yields of gasoline and diesel.
Method of Export
The report said the crude grade is expected to be exported through the Floating Storage and Offloading vessel, Cawthorne, which has a capacity of 2.2 million barrels and aims to boost crude oil transportation and production from Oil Mining Lease 18 and surrounding assets in the country’s Eastern Niger Delta.
Oil production has remained the major source of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings. Higher production output boosts government revenue and consequently strengthens budget financing and the economy generally.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in mass communication.
