NNPC to Export New Crude Grade Cawthorne in March 2026

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) is set to begin exporting a new light sweet crude grade known as Cawthorne in March 2026, as confirmed by an NNPC spokesperson. This development is part of Nigeria's efforts to increase crude oil output and consolidate its recent recovery in oil production.

The move aligns with Nigeria's broader strategy to boost production amid constraints caused by pipeline vandalism, crude theft, and unrest in oil-producing regions. The Cawthorne crude is scheduled for export in the third week of March and has an API gravity of 36.4, similar in quality to Nigeria's Bonny Light, which is prized for its high gasoline and diesel yield.

Kpler estimates that the Cawthorne grade will increase Nigeria's crude condensate output to approximately 1.65 million barrels per day (bpd), with a target to gradually approach its OPEC quota of 1.5 million bpd. The new crude grade is expected to differentiate itself by sulfur content and API gravity, enabling producers to target specific refinery configurations in the market.