Crude Oil

What is Brent Crude Oil?

Brent Crude Oil is one of the primary global benchmarks for pricing crude oil, defined by its origin in the North Sea and specific quality characteristics. It is used as a reference point for approximately two-thirds of the world's internationally traded crude oil supplies. This type of fuel is generally classified as Light Sweet Crude.

Types of Crude Oil (by Quality)

Crude oil is divided into main types based on two key characteristics: API Gravity (density) and Sulfur Content (sweetness/sourness).

1. Light Sweet Crude

• Characteristics: High API Gravity (above $35^{\circ}$), Low Sulfur Content (below 0.5%).

• Relevance: Highly valued due to easier and cheaper refining into high-demand products like gasoline and jet fuel.

2. Heavy Sour Crude

• Characteristics: Low API Gravity (below $25^{\circ}$), High Sulfur Content (above 2.0%).

• Relevance: Requires more complex and expensive refining processes to remove impurities and break down heavy molecules.

3. Medium Crude

• Characteristics: Properties falling between Light and Heavy. Brent typically falls into this broader category, leaning towards Light and Sweet.

• Relevance: Represents a significant portion of global production.

These classifications ensure that refineries can effectively match crude feedstock to their specific processing capabilities.

What is Brent Blend Crude?

Brent Blend Crude refers to the specific mixture of crude oils extracted from various fields in the North Sea (including Brent, Forties, Oseberg, and Ekofisk, known as BFOE). It fulfills the criteria of a high-quality, internationally accepted trading benchmark.

Characteristics of Brent Blend:

• API Gravity: Approximately 38 circ} (Light).

• Sulfur Content: Approximately 0.37% (Sweet).

This blend is favored globally because:

• Refining Efficiency: The 'light' nature allows for higher yields of valuable products like diesel and gasoline.

• Low Sulfur: Its 'sweet' quality minimizes the need for extensive desulfurization, reducing refining costs and environmental impact (similar to ULSD).

• Global Benchmark: Brent's reliable production and liquidity make it the standard reference price for oil futures and physical contracts worldwide.

What is the price of Brent Crude Oil?

The price of Brent Crude Oil is highly volatile, influenced by global geopolitical events, output decisions by OPEC+ and other major producers, inventory levels, currency fluctuations, and overall global economic demand.

As the leading global oil benchmark, Brent is often somewhat more expensive than heavy sour grades due to its higher quality and superior refining yields. The actual cost varies over time, so for the most up-to-date pricing information, consult major market data providers.

To get the most up-to-date price and market data, check resources like S&P Global Platts and the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), which provide current assessments and information on upcoming futures contracts for Brent Crude Oil.

If you have any specific inquiries or want to get started on a large-scale transaction, contact us directly.

What is Brent Platts?

Brent Platts is the standard for setting prices for physical Brent crude oil cargoes, as determined and shared by Platts, a top worldwide source for information on energy and commodities. Brent is the key European and international benchmark for crude oil pricing.

Platts, a market intelligence source inside S&P Global Commodity Insights, provides detailed analysis of market trends, current events, and evaluations. These are commonly used in the energy sector to maintain transaction transparency and equality. Buyers and sellers use the Brent Platts rate to calculate fair market pricing for crude oil shipments.

When considering "Brent Platts" in terms of trading or buying crude oil, it often refers to the current price assessment for the physical (spot) market, which helps in setting competitive and market-fit rates for crude oil term contracts.

We are a trusted crude oil supplier and exporter from Kazakhstan, Oman, UAE, and the wider Gulf region, providing high-quality crude that meets international trading specifications. For further details and to initiate a purchase, please contact us. Our officer is dedicated to providing excellent service and support to meet all your crude oil trading needs.

Our team of professionals can help with commodity trading, quality assurance, logistics, and customs clearance, ensuring that companies have access to high-quality crude at competitive pricing.

FAQ

• What is Brent Crude Oil?

  • Brent is a primary global oil benchmark representing a blend of high-quality, light sweet crude oil from the North Sea.

• What does API Gravity signify?

  • API Gravity is a measure of the crude oil's density (lightness/heaviness); a higher API is generally preferred.

• Why is low sulfur crucial in crude oil?

  • Having low sulfur (sweet crude) reduces refining costs, minimizes sulfur emissions, and yields higher-value end products.

• Where can I find Brent Crude Oil?

  • Brent is traded globally on major exchanges (ICE) and is physically sourced from the North Sea and referenced by exporters globally, including the Middle East and Central Asia.

• Is Brent suitable for all refineries?

  • Brent's quality is highly versatile and is suitable for most complex and simple refineries worldwide.

• What are the advantages of trading Brent?

  • The benefits include global liquidity, a transparent pricing mechanism, and its high yield potential in refining.

• How can I verify the quality of the crude oil I’m purchasing?

  • Always request independent inspection reports (e.g., SGS, Saybolt) and certification to confirm the crude's API Gravity and Sulfur Content.

• What is the storage duration of crude oil?

  • Crude oil is chemically stable and can be stored indefinitely, provided the storage tanks are maintained to prevent contamination.

• What documentation is required for importing crude oil?

  • Typically, you need an import license, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin, and Quality/Quantity reports. Review local laws for specific documentation.

• Do we work with Brokers?

  • Yes, we work with a broker who is direct with the client on the buy or sell side. We do not work with brokers in a chain.