Light Crude Oil: It is liquid petroleum that has a low density and flows freely at room temperature, and has a low viscosity, low specific gravity, and high API gravity. It is due to the presence of a high proportion of light hydrocarbon fractions. It generally has low wax content. Light crude oil receives a higher price than heavy one on commodity markets. Because it produces a higher percentage of gasoline and diesel fuel when converted into products by an oil refinery.

Heavy Crude Oil: It is referred to as “Heavy” because its density or specific gravity is higher than that of light grade. It has been defined as any liquid petroleum with an API gravity of less than 20º. Physical properties differ between heavy-grade oils and lighter grades. It includes higher viscosity and specific gravity, as well as heavier molecular composition.

Two of the most commonly traded types of Crude Oil are WTI and Brent. It is worth understanding what the top differences between WTI and Brent Crude are, so as to make informed trading decisions. Both Brent Crude and Western Texas Intermediate are light and sweet, making them ideal for refining into gasoline.

MAYA

MAYA is a “Heavy” (21–22 °API Gravity) and Sour (3.4% Sulfur content by weight) Crude Oil, which produces lower yields of Gasoline and Diesel in simple refineries when compared to lighter crudes. In order to maximize the economic value of this type of crude oil, its processing requires refineries with high conversion units that transform the crude heavy fractions (Residue) into products with a higher value. 

ISTHMUS

ISTHMUS is a “Medium” (32–33 °API Gravity) and Sour (1.8% Sulfur content by weight) Crude Oil, with good gasoline and intermediate distillates (Diesel and Jet Fuel/Kerosene) yields. The highest economic value of this crude is obtained in refineries with FCC (Fluid Catalytic Cracker) units. Its quality is similar to Arab light crude and Russian Urals crude.

OLMECA

OLMECA is the “Lightest” of the Mexican crude oils (38–39 °API Gravity) and Sour (0.73%–0.95% Sulfur content by weight). Its characteristics make it a good feedstock for lubricants and petrochemicals.

ALTAMIRA

ALTAMIRA is a “Heavy” (15.5–16.5 °API Gravity) and Sour (5.5%–6.0% Sulfur content by weight) Crude Oil. As with Maya crude, Altamira has lower Gasoline and Diesel yields in simple refining schemes compared to lighter crude oils. Its physical properties make it appropriate for asphalt production.

TYPICAL QUALITIES OF PEMEX CRUDE OILS