Nigeria is broadening its portfolio of premium export crude grades as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) moves to commercialize its newest blend, Cawthorne crude, amid efforts to raise production and strengthen foreign exchange earnings.

The state-owned energy giant has issued a tender seeking bids for approximately 950,000 barrels of the new light sweet crude grade scheduled for loading between July 10 and July 11 on a free-on-board basis.

New export grade targets premium refining markets

The launch of Cawthorne follows the successful introduction of Nembe and Utapate crude grades, reflecting Nigeria’s strategy to diversify its export basket and improve competitiveness in international energy markets.

Classified as a premium light sweet crude, Cawthorne carries an API gravity of 36.4 degrees and features low sulphur content, characteristics highly valued by refiners seeking stronger yields of gasoline, diesel and other clean petroleum products.

Early export performance signals strong demand

Since export shipments commenced in March, approximately 42,000 barrels per day of Cawthorne crude were exported during April and May, according to industry shipping data.

The emergence of the grade comes as Nigeria seeks to recover crude output lost to years of underinvestment, pipeline vandalism, crude theft and operational disruptions that have constrained production growth across the sector.

The introduction of additional export streams is expected to provide greater flexibility for buyers while improving Nigeria’s position in the highly competitive Atlantic Basin crude market.

NNPC pushes post-PIA growth strategy

Headquartered in Abuja, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited remains Africa’s largest national oil company, operating across exploration, production, refining and distribution.

The company works alongside international energy majors through joint ventures and production-sharing agreements to develop Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources.

Founded in 1977, the corporation transformed into NNPC Limited in July 2022 following the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, a landmark reform designed to improve governance, attract investment and commercialise Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

The launch of Cawthorne crude represents another milestone in that transition, underscoring NNPC’s ambition to increase production, attract international buyers and reinforce Nigeria’s standing as Africa’s leading oil producer.