W.Africa Crude — Freight rate strength weighs

LONDON, Oct 15 (Reuters) — West African crude differentials remained under pressure on Thursday from surging freight rates. No new offers for Angolan grades were heard of on Thursday. Offers for Angolan crude Dalia were heard at a discount of $20 to dated Brent on the Argus Open Market this week, a trader said, thought to be a record low for the grade. Angolan differentials are under particular pressure because they rely on Asian demand, and surging freight rates have undermined the economics of long-haul shipments. Freight rates remained within sight of record highs on Thursday for some West African crude trade routes, according to Riverlake data. (Reporting by Alex Lawler; Editing by Susan Fenton) ((alex.lawler@thomsonreuters.com)