By Ukumbi Afrika 
West African crude oil differentials remained broadly steady on Thursday as market participants assessed a fresh wave of buying tenders from Asian refiners seeking alternatives to Middle Eastern supplies amid continued disruption around the Strait of Hormuz.
Asian refiners have been moving earlier in the trading cycle to secure West African cargoes, with shipping risks around the Strait of Hormuz encouraging buyers to diversify their crude supply.
India's state-run Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) issued a tender seeking 2 million barrels of crude for delivery between October 10 and 20. The refiner instructed prospective suppliers to avoid routing cargoes through either the Red Sea or Strait of Hormuz.
The tender closed on Thursday, although results had yet to emerge.
The development highlights the growing importance of Atlantic Basin crude, including West African grades, as Asian buyers attempt to reduce exposure to vulnerable Middle Eastern shipping routes.
The West African spot market itself remained relatively quiet during the week, with traders continuing to assess how Asian buying interest could affect differentials for Nigerian and other regional grades.
The shift in buying patterns comes as oil-market participants continue to monitor disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters reported that shipping traffic through the waterway remained low amid ongoing Middle East hostilities, while some traders have sought alternative routes and sources of crude.
For West African producers, sustained Asian demand could provide additional support for crude exports, particularly if refiners continue prioritising barrels that can reach them without transiting the Red Sea or Strait of Hormuz.
Reporting: Robert Harvey
Editing: David Goodman