Nigeria, one of the leading oil-producing nations in Africa, is known globally for its rich reserves of high-quality crude oil. With various types of light and ultra-light crude, Nigeria’s oil is characterised by its low sulphur content, making it valuable in global markets. As demand for low-emission, easy-to-refine oil rises, Nigerian crude remains an integral player, contributing to global energy supplies. In this article, we’ll explore the unique properties, production regions, major operators, and primary export markets for Nigeria’s most prominent crude oil types.
Key Nigerian Crude Oil Types and Their Characteristics
Nigeria’s crude oil types are mainly categorised by lightness and sweetness (sulphur content). Light crude is easier to refine, while low sulphur (‘sweet’ crude) is environmentally friendlier and highly desirable. Nigeria’s crude types are adaptable to various refining processes, making them a staple in markets from Europe to Asia. Let’s explore each type in detail.
1. Bonny Light
Characteristics
Bonny Light is Nigeria’s flagship crude oil. Known for its lightness and sweetness, it has an API gravity of 32-35 degrees, ideal for refining into premium fuels like petrol, jet fuel, and diesel. Bonny Light’s low sulphur content (around 0.14%) makes it cost-effective for refiners looking to minimise environmental impact.
Location and Operators
Bonny Light is primarily produced in the Niger Delta, especially around Rivers State. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Shell operate in these areas, though frequent pipeline disruptions and community issues present ongoing challenges.
Export Markets
Bonny Light has a high demand across Europe, particularly in countries like the United Kingdom and France, due to its favourable refining characteristics, which align well with European environmental standards.
2. Forcados
Characteristics
Forcados crude is a light, sweet grade, with an API gravity of around 30-32 degrees. It’s similar in quality to Bonny Light but slightly heavier, making it versatile in refining for diesel and jet fuel.
Location and Operators
Produced mainly in Delta State, Forcados is operated by Shell and exported from the Forcados Terminal, which has an export capacity of around 400,000 barrels per day. Despite its stability, Forcados frequently faces production disruptions due to sabotage and technical issues.
Export Markets
Forcados is exported widely to Europe and Asia, where it’s valued for its compatibility with stringent fuel specifications. Countries like India and China are also significant importers, particularly for diesel production.
3. Qua Iboe
Characteristics
Qua Iboe is one of Nigeria’s premium crudes, known for its low sulphur content and high API gravity of around 36 degrees. Its properties make it a high-yield crude, especially for petrol and other premium fuels, making it one of the most valuable exports.
Location and Operators
Qua Iboe is produced at the Qua Iboe Terminal in Akwa Ibom State, primarily operated by ExxonMobil and NNPC. With an output capacity close to 320,000 barrels per day, this crude type sees significant international demand.
Export Markets
Qua Iboe is popular in Asian markets, especially India and China, and is also exported to Europe. Its high gasoline yield makes it an ideal choice for regions focused on premium fuel production.
4. Escravos
Characteristics
Escravos is another light, low-sulphur crude with an API gravity of around 33 degrees. Its versatile refining profile allows it to be used in producing petrol, jet fuel, and diesel, making it valuable for various refining processes.
Location and Operators
Chevron operates the Escravos field in Delta State, with the Escravos Terminal facilitating exports. As of 2024, production faces fewer disruptions than other types, thanks to Chevron’s investments in infrastructure and security.
Export Markets
Escravos is a preferred import in the United States and some Asian markets. Its high-quality properties make it an excellent feedstock for producing clean fuels, aligning with international environmental goals.
5. Brass River
Characteristics
Brass River crude has an API gravity of about 34 degrees and a low sulphur content, making it suitable for producing diesel and petrol. Its balanced characteristics position it between Bonny Light and Forcados in terms of market appeal.
Location and Operators
Brass River is produced mainly in Bayelsa State by Agip (Nigerian Agip Oil Company – NAOC) and exported through the Brass Terminal. Production volumes vary due to regional security issues but generally remain stable due to Agip’s continuous investment in local operations.
Export Markets
Brass River crude has strong demand in Europe and North America. It is especially favoured by refineries focused on producing diesel and petrol that meet stringent quality standards.
6. Akpo
Characteristics
Akpo is classified as ultra-light crude, with an API gravity above 47 degrees, similar to a condensate. Its very low sulphur content makes it an environmentally friendly choice, in line with increasingly strict international fuel regulations
Location and Operators
Akpo is produced offshore by TotalEnergies and NNPC. As an offshore asset, Akpo benefits from relatively fewer disruptions compared to onshore fields, making it a reliable crude option.
Export Markets
Akpo is popular in Europe and parts of Asia, as refiners focus on meeting low-sulphur fuel standards. Demand is especially high in regions with stringent environmental regulations.
7. Agbami
Characteristics
Agbami is another ultra-light crude, with an API gravity over 47 degrees. Known for its ultra-low sulphur content, Agbami is suitable for refineries aiming to produce fuels with minimal environmental impact.
Location and Operators
Chevron operates Agbami, produced offshore from the Agbami field. Offshore extraction provides Agbami with a degree of production stability, making it a reliable choice for international buyers.
Export Markets
Agbami is primarily exported to Europe and the United States, where demand for environmentally friendly fuels is high.
8. Bonga
Characteristics
Bonga crude is slightly heavier than Bonny Light and Qua Iboe, with an API gravity around 28 degrees. Despite having a higher sulphur content, Bonga is still in demand for producing industrial fuels and marine fuels.
Location and Operators
Operated by Shell and NNPC, Bonga crude is produced offshore in the Niger Delta region. It benefits from the relative stability of offshore production and is less affected by disruptions common in onshore fields.
Export Markets
Bonga crude is primarily exported to Europe and Asia, where it is refined into fuels suitable for industrial applications.
Nigeria’s Role in the Global Oil Market
With around 1.4 million barrels of oil produced daily across all types, Nigeria’s light, sweet crude remains competitive in the global energy landscape
. The country’s crude is especially favoured in regions with environmental regulations that demand low-sulphur fuels. Despite challenges such as pipeline vandalism and fluctuating production, Nigeria continues to play a crucial role in meeting global fuel demands.
Nigeria’s Oil Future
Nigeria’s diverse crude oil portfolio, coupled with strategic export channels, underscores its importance on the world stage. Nigerian crude will likely continue to meet evolving global demands, with its high-quality, low-sulphur profile aligning well with stricter international standards for cleaner fuel production.
