Nigeria will begin exporting Cawthorne crude in March to boost oil output, diversify exports, and strengthen its position in global energy markets

Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has announced that Nigeria will begin exporting a new light, sweet crude grade known as Cawthorne in March, as part of efforts to increase oil production and consolidate recent output gains.

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A company spokesperson confirmed to Reuters that the first cargo is expected in the third week of March.

The introduction of Cawthorne crude is expected to enhance Nigeria’s standing within the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, supporting the country’s aim of achieving higher production targets amid improving output.

Cawthorne crude has an API gravity of 36.4, comparable to Nigeria’s flagship Bonny Light crude, which is highly valued by refiners for producing high yields of gasoline and diesel.

A tender issued by NNPC last week outlined loading schedules between March 24 and 25.

Energy intelligence firm Kpler noted that Cawthorne will be exported via the Floating Storage and Offloading vessel Cawthorne, with a storage capacity of about 2.2 million barrels.

The facility is designed to streamline crude transportation and production from Oil Mining Lease 18 and adjacent assets in the eastern Niger Delta.

The new grade could increase Nigeria’s crude and condensate supply from approximately 1.65 million barrels per day to around 1.7 million barrels per day for the remainder of 2026, depending on operational stability and market demand.

Nigeria’s current crude quota under the OPEC+ framework stands at 1.5 million barrels per day, with actual production recorded at about 1.48 million barrels per day in January.

Cawthorne is the third new crude grade introduced by Nigeria in recent years, following Utapate in 2024 and Obodo in 2025.

Analysts say diversifying crude streams allows Nigeria to target different market segments, enhance pricing flexibility, and improve resilience in global oil trade.

The announcement comes as the government and NNPC intensify security measures across pipelines and oil infrastructure, reducing losses from theft and gradually restoring output.

Experts highlight that sustained production growth and additional crude grades could boost Nigeria’s oil revenues at a time of volatile but supportive global oil prices.

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Under President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria is pursuing reforms in the oil and gas sector, with a focus on increasing investment, expanding production, and strengthening government revenue.