Nigeria's NNPC to Introduce New Cawthorne Crude Oil Grade for Global Market in March 2026
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced plans to commence export of a newly developed light, sweet crude oil grade called Cawthorne, with the first shipments scheduled for March 2026. This strategic move represents a significant effort to enhance Nigeria's oil production capacity and solidify its status as Africa's premier crude oil exporter.
Premium Quality Crude Designed for International Refiners
According to industry specifications, Cawthorne crude boasts an API gravity of 36.4, placing it in the same premium category as Nigeria's highly regarded Bonny Light blend. Light, sweet crudes like Cawthorne are particularly valued in global markets for their lower sulfur content and superior yield of gasoline and diesel products, making them especially attractive to refiners in Europe and Asia.
An NNPC spokesperson confirmed that commercial marketing activities have already begun, with the company recently issuing a tender for cargo loading scheduled between March 24 and 25, 2026. Market intelligence firm Kpler reports that the crude will be exported via the Floating Storage and Offloading vessel named Cawthorne, which has a storage capacity of approximately 2.2 million barrels.
Strategic Timing for Nigeria's Oil Sector Recovery
The introduction of Cawthorne comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria's petroleum industry, which has been steadily rebuilding output following years of challenges including pipeline vandalism, crude theft, and unrest in oil-producing regions. This new grade represents the latest addition to Nigeria's expanding crude portfolio, following the debut of Obodo blend in 2025 and Utapate blend in 2024.
Kpler estimates that Cawthorne could help increase Nigeria's combined crude and condensate production from about 1.65 million barrels per day to approximately 1.7 million barrels per day for the remainder of the year. This production boost brings Nigeria closer to its OPEC+ quota, with January output already reaching 1.48 million barrels per day against a ceiling of 1.5 million barrels per day.
Economic Implications and Revenue Potential
The launch of Cawthorne carries substantial economic significance for Nigeria. Light, sweet crude blends typically command competitive pricing in international markets, and expanding Nigeria's crude slate could attract specialized refiners seeking specific grades. This diversification strategy is expected to enhance Nigeria's export competitiveness and boost foreign exchange earnings at a time when government revenues remain heavily dependent on oil receipts.
The vessel will support production and evacuation from Oil Mining Lease 18 and nearby assets in the Eastern Niger Delta, helping to streamline export logistics and operational efficiency. By adding Cawthorne to its growing portfolio, Nigeria is positioning itself not merely to increase oil production but to market its resources more strategically in an increasingly competitive global energy landscape.
This development follows NNPC's recent announcement of a new oil well discovery in the Niger Delta, specifically the successful completion of the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta by Chevron Nigeria Limited, operating under the NNPC Ltd/Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture. These combined efforts represent a comprehensive approach to unlocking Nigeria's hydrocarbon potential and maximizing revenue from its energy resources.
