The West African crude market was quiet on Friday as high prices deterred demand.

Nigerian Forcados was on offer at dated Brent plus $3.50, a trader source said, slightly down from levels on Thursday.

Nigerian CJ blend was on offer at dated Brent plus $3.75.

Angolan Palanca was offered at dated Brent plus $3.

The pace of trade for the March loading schedule has faltered. In the first week, the pace jumped because of high demand for alternatives to Russian barrels but then it slowed as Indian and Chinese buyers found workarounds to continue to buy from Russia and demand for West African crude fell.

Demand for West African crudes is also expected to be weighed down by a period of refinery maintenance in Europe coming up in March-April.
Source: Reuters