Nigeria extended its crude oil production recovery into June after increasing output in May, with data from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and a Reuters survey indicating continued growth in the country's oil supply.
OPEC's latest monthly data showed Nigeria produced 1.530 million barrels per day (bpd) in May, up from 1.489 million bpd recorded in April, representing an increase of 42,000 bpd.
The upward trend continued in June, according to a Reuters survey compiled using flow data from financial services group LSEG, vessel-tracking firm Kpler, and information obtained from oil companies, OPEC sources and industry consultants.
Nigeria's production growth came as OPEC's collective crude output rebounded during the month following the restoration of supplies by several Gulf producers after disruptions linked to the Iran conflict and the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Reuters survey showed crude production from OPEC's 11 member countries rose by 3.3 million bpd month-on-month to 19.43 million bpd in June, recovering from May's output, which had fallen to its lowest level in more than two decades.
Despite the improvement, the group's June production remained below levels recorded before the Gulf supply disruptions, as producers continued restoring previously shut-in volumes rather than bringing significant new supply to the market.
Unlike several Gulf producers, Nigeria's crude exports were largely unaffected by the Iran conflict, allowing the country to sustain production growth during the period.
Among OPEC members, Kuwait and Iran recorded the largest increases in June after the United States lifted restrictions affecting shipping to and from Iranian ports, enabling Tehran to restore production. Saudi Arabia and Iraq also raised output during the month.
The OPEC production figures exclude the United Arab Emirates, which exited the organisation on May 1.
Nigeria's latest production gains come as the country continues efforts to increase crude output and strengthen export earnings amid renewed focus on meeting its production targets and supporting government revenue.