Gabonese crude exports to rise in August

Gabon is scheduled to increase crude exports to 235,000 b/d in August from 202,000 b/d this month, according to the country's latest loading schedule.

Exports of Gabon's flagship Rabi Blend will rise to 79,000 b/d next month across three cargoes. Two cargoes of the medium sweet grade are scheduled to load in July.

An additional cargo of Oguendjo will load in August, taking the total for the month to 61,000 b/d. At least one of the two Oguendjo shipments due to load next month has already been placed, with India's state-owned IOC purchasing a cargo from London-listed Tullow Oil for loading on 9-10 August.

The extra volume of Oguendjo will be partially offset by reduced exports of Rabi Light, which will be one cargo lighter than July's programme. Next month's only Rabi Light shipment is scheduled to load on 24-25 August.

Loadings of the Mandji and Dussafu grades remain unchanged on the month at 31,000 b/d and 21,000 b/d, respectively.

Trading firm Vitol will market a 400,000 bl cargo of light sweet Etame, but no Lucina exports are planned in August.

By Andy Devine