LONDON, Jan 22 (Reuters) - West African crude price differentials were steady on Wednesday, with some sellers predicting a stronger trading cycle for March cargoes as buyers in Asia seek alternative supplies to Russian and Iranian grades after new U.S. sanctions.
* Angola's state oil company Sonangol was expected to finalise its term allocations for March-loading cargoes as early as Thursday, and to then start offering cargoes on a spot basis, one trader said.
* One trader said March cargoes were expected to trade higher or at similar price differentials to February's cargoes.
* Differentials for February-loading Angolan and Nigerian cargoes rose after the U.S. announced new sanctions on Russia on Jan. 10, potentially boosting demand for alternative grades, although they have since steadied.
* Angola will load 32 crude oil cargoes in March, the country's preliminary loading schedules showed, up from 28 in February.
* Nigerian March loading schedules are also in focus this week.
(Reporting by Alex Lawler; editing by David Evans, Elaine Hardcastle)
((alex.lawler@thomsonreuters.com))
Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.