Cotonou, Benin
Niger dispatches its first seaborne crude cargo
Meleck crude is a low-sulphur grade
The landlocked nation of Niger has exported its first seaborne crude cargo, with the loading and departure of a Suezmax tanker in neighbouring Benin. But Niger and Benin remain at odds and are yet to formalise a permanent transit agreement. The Front Cascade loaded 1m bl of Nigerien crude between 17 and 19 May at Benin’s Seme terminal. The two West African nations are linked by a pipeline, although the start of crude flows were delayed by the diplomatic fallout arising from Niger’s coup last year. “The Benin–Niger pipeline is a giant project... [and] we are proud of the success of the operation,” the government of Benin stated. The crude, known as Meleck, is a medium-heavy sweet grade, w
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub
