TRAFIGURA PTE LTD V SOCIÉTÉ NATIONALE DE RAFFINAGE

[2026] EWHC 1914 (Comm), Commercial Court (KBD), Mr Justice Michael Green, 30 July 2026

Contracts (sale) – Sale of gasoline found non-compliant in sampling upon arrival – Buyer rejecting cargo – Buyer seeking to restrain payment under irrevocable letter of credit by court proceedings – Seller seeking anti-suit injunction

Sonara, the defendant, had purchased a quantity of gasoline, payment for which was to be by irrevocable letter of credit. The sale contract and letter of credit were governed by English law and contained exclusive English jurisdiction clauses. Upon arrival in Cameroon, the cargo was sampled and found to be off specification in two respects.