New crude streams add 12m barrels to Nigeria’s output

Nigeria's efforts to boost crude oil production have seen a significant contribution from two newly introduced crude grades: Utapate and Cawthorne. These grades, launched in 2024 and early 2026 respectively, are part of Nigeria's strategy to expand its export streams and strengthen oil revenues.

Analysis of data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission reveals that between January and May 2026, the Utapate crude grade yielded 8.75 million barrels, while the Cawthorne blend contributed 3.41 million barrels. Together, these new streams generated approximately 12.16 million barrels during this period, marking a notable increase in the country's oil output.

However, the Utapate crude grade has yet to meet its ambitious production target. The government and operators had set a goal of 80,000 barrels per day for Utapate. Data shows that its average daily production during the January-May 2026 period ranged from approximately 55,190 barrels in January to a high of 59,290 barrels in April, falling significantly short of the target.

Despite the shortfall, production figures indicate an upward trend for Utapate, with daily output increasing over the months. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC E&P Limited) had previously expressed confidence in reaching the 80,000 barrels per day target by the end of 2025 through ongoing development projects. The Managing Director, Nicholas Foucart, had projected increases from 40,000-50,000 bopd to 60,000-65,000 bopd by mid-2025, aiming for the 80,000 bopd mark by year-end.

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We have several ongoing projects to increase our production from the current 40,000 bopd to 50,000 bopd by January 2025, and 60,000 bopd to 65,000 bopd by June 2025. Essentially, we are targeting opportunities to increase production to 80,000 bopd by the end of 2025.