Nigeria’s state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC) has issued a fresh tender to sell a September cargo of its newest crude oil grade, Cawthorne, alongside another cargo of the country’s flagship Bonny Light blend, as Africa’s largest oil producer works to strengthen exports and attract more international buyers.

The Cawthorne cargo will load between Sept. 21 and Sept. 22, totaling 950,000 barrels, while the Bonny Light shipment of the same volume is scheduled to load between Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Bonny Light production is expected to average about 364,000 barrels per day, spread across 12 export cargoes.

Nigeria broadens its crude export portfolio

Cawthorne entered the export market in March, joining recently introduced Nigerian crude grades including Nembe and Utapate. The additions are part of NNPC’s strategy to increase crude production, diversify export offerings, and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness after years of oil theft, underinvestment, pipeline vandalism and operational disruptions.

The company says expanding its crude portfolio gives international refiners greater flexibility while helping Nigeria capture stronger demand for premium light sweet crude.

Middle East supply risks lift West African crude

Trading activity for West African crude has remained relatively subdued as buyers monitor geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. However, traders say supply concerns have begun supporting higher offer prices for regional crude grades, including Nigerian exports.

The latest tender comes as refiners continue seeking reliable supplies of high-quality crude capable of producing larger volumes of gasoline and diesel.

Cawthorne targets premium global markets

Cawthorne is a light, sweet crude with an API gravity of 36.4, making it comparable to Nigeria’s premium Bonny Light blend. Its high gasoline and diesel yields make it attractive to refiners in Europe and other major energy markets.

NNPC exported the maiden 950,000-barrel cargo aboard the MT Eburones in April, with the shipment destined for the Netherlands. The crude was loaded through the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) facility offshore Bonny, Rivers State, which supports production from OML 18.

The offshore terminal strengthens Nigeria’s crude evacuation capacity, improves export reliability, enhances operational efficiency and supports the country’s broader ambition to increase oil production while reinforcing its position in the global energy market.