Uganda Names Crude Oil Blend Ahead of First Production

Uganda has officially named its crude oil blend 'Pearl Sweet' as it prepares to become an oil exporter by the end of the year. President Yoweri Museveni unveiled the name at a ceremony in Hoima, explaining that 'sweet' refers to the oil's low sulphur content and 'pearl' reflects Uganda's nickname as the Pearl of Africa.

The country is nearing completion on two major oil projects operated by Total Energies and CNOOC, with combined peak production expected to reach 230,000 barrels per day. The crude will be transported through the 1,443-kilometre East African Crude Oil Pipeline to Tanzania.

However, the project remains controversial due to environmental concerns and the displacement of communities.