NNPCL Commences Export of New Cawthorne Crude Grade
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has officially started exporting its newly introduced crude oil grade, Cawthorne, in a strategic move to enhance Nigeria's crude oil production capacity and diversify the country's portfolio of globally competitive export streams. This development was announced in a statement signed by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, highlighting the company's efforts to strengthen its market presence and improve crude evacuation efficiency.
Cawthorne Blend: A Light, Sweet Crude Addition
Cawthorne Blend crude, the latest addition to Nigeria's basket of crude grades, boasts an American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity of 36.4, placing it firmly within the light, sweet category. This makes it comparable to Bonny Light and highly valued in the global market for its superior petrol and diesel yields. On Sunday, April 5, 2026, the maiden cargo of 950,000 barrels was loaded onto the MT Eburones vessel, departing for The Netherlands and onward to international markets.
The export was facilitated via the Cawthorne Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel, strategically located offshore Bonny in Rivers State. This FSO enhances crude evacuation from Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18, thereby strengthening Nigeria's export reliability, operational efficiency, and overall energy security.
Strategic Goals and Presidential Mandate
According to NNPCL, the introduction of Cawthorne to the international market underscores a deliberate strategy to unlock value from its asset base, deepen market competitiveness, and support the presidential mandate of scaling crude oil production to three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030. This launch builds on recent additions such as Nembe and Utapate, reflecting a sustained and structured approach to optimising production and expanding market offerings.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari, commended President Bola Tinubu's policy direction and sector reforms, as well as the collaboration among OML 18 partners, the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and other stakeholders in achieving this milestone. He emphasized NNPCL's focus on deepening partnerships, strengthening operational discipline, and deploying innovative solutions to ensure sustainable growth and energy security for Nigeria.
Global Oil Price Surge Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude surged to $115.8 per barrel, its highest level since April 2008, as geopolitical tensions escalated. President Donald Trump warned that "a whole civilisation will die tonight," while strikes were reported on Iran's Kharg Island, the hub for roughly 90 per cent of the country's oil exports. Brent crude climbed to $111, with both benchmarks entering crisis pricing territory due to escalation risks affecting core oil infrastructure.
Strikes on Kharg Island put approximately 90 per cent of Iran's export capacity at risk, with any remaining flows facing constraints moving through the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries 20 per cent of global oil flows. Trump has set a deadline for Iran to agree to terms to end the war, threatening strikes on additional infrastructure, including power plants and transport networks. Iran rejected these demands, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) warning that concessions allowing neighbouring states to export through the Strait were over and that U.S. and allied infrastructure would be targeted if "red lines" were crossed.
NNPC Limited reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging innovation, strategic partnerships, and operational discipline to unlock the full value of Nigeria's hydrocarbon resources while ensuring long-term energy security and economic growth.
