Angolan crude for March loading was closer to being sold out after a rebound in demand, traders said on Thursday, while offers of Nigerian crude were heard to be steady.

Around 5-6 March-loading cargoes of Angolan crude remained unsold, a trader said, down from around 10 on Wednesday. Details did not immediately emerge of recent deals.

The March programme has sold out relatively fast, traders have said, due to stronger demand including from China and a smaller-than-normal loading plan of 29 cargoes.

Vitol was still offering a cargo of Angolan Dalia but had yet to attract a buyer. A trader said the shipment was a partial cargo offered on a delivered basis.

Offers for key Nigerian crude, despite facing competition in Europe from U.S. grades, were heard to be stable after recent gains. Sellers of Bonny Light/Qua Iboe are asking dated Brent plus $5.00, up from closer to plus $4.00 heard last Friday.

Sold prices, though, remained short of the offer levels, a trader said.
Source: Reuters