Nigeria will begin exporting a new light, sweet crude grade, Cawthorne, from March 2026, as part of efforts to boost production, diversify its export portfolio, and strengthen its position in global oil markets, according to Reuters.
Cawthorne, comparable in quality to the flagship Bonny Light, has an API gravity of around 36.4, making it highly desirable for refiners due to its strong yields of gasoline and diesel. The first cargoes are scheduled for shipment in the third week of March, marking the latest addition to Nigeria’s expanding crude portfolio that includes Utapate (2024) and Obodo (2025).
The new grade will be shipped via the Floating Storage and Offloading vessel Cawthorne, with a capacity of about 2.2 million barrels, sourced from Oil Mining Lease 18 and adjacent assets in the Eastern Niger Delta, industry sources reported. The government expects the rollout to lift combined crude and condensate output to near 1.7 million barrels per day, supporting OPEC+ production targets and enhancing Nigeria’s revenue base.
Business Post Nigeria highlighted that Cawthorne’s introduction aligns with broader strategies to mitigate challenges such as pipeline vandalism and crude theft while attracting new buyers and expanding foreign exchange earnings. The move underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its status as Africa’s largest oil exporter and meeting global market demand efficiently.
