Nigeria will begin exporting its new light, sweet crude grade, Cawthorne, in March 2026 as part of efforts to sustain recent production gains and strengthen its position in global energy markets. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) confirmed the first cargoes will load in late March, with traders already bidding for shipments through a tender process.
The launch follows two previous crude stream expansions – Utapate in 2024 and Obodo in 2025 – as Africa's largest oil producer works to overcome chronic challenges including pipeline vandalism and theft. Analysts note the 36.4 API gravity grade could appeal to Asian refiners seeking high gasoline and diesel yields, similar to Nigeria's flagship Bonny Light.
Kpler data shows the Cawthorne floating storage vessel, with 2.2 million barrels capacity, will facilitate exports from eastern Niger Delta fields. Industry estimates suggest the new stream could push Nigeria's combined crude and condensate production to 1.7 million barrels per day (bpd) this year, up from current levels of 1.65 million bpd.
This expansion comes as Nigeria strives to meet its OPEC+ quota of 1.5 million bpd, having produced 1.48 million bpd in January 2026. Energy analysts view the move as critical for Abuja to leverage its OPEC membership and advocate for higher production allowances amid global supply shifts.
