Industrial Material

Crude Oil | The Backbone of Global Energy and Economy

Crude oil, often referred to as “black gold,” is a naturally occurring fossil fuel found beneath the Earth’s surface. It plays a vital role in powering the modern world, serving as the primary source for fuels like petrol, diesel, jet fuel, and raw material for countless industrial products. With its significant impact on global economies and geopolitics, crude oil remains one of the most strategically important commodities in the world.

Specifications of Crude Oil:

PropertyUsually dark brown or black, but can vary depending on the region
CompositionHydrocarbons (alkanes, cycloalkanes, aromatics), sulfur, nitrogen
ColorUsually dark brown or black, but can vary depending on region
Density790–970 kg/m³ (light to heavy crude)
API GravityLight: >31.1°, Medium: 22.3°–31.1°, Heavy: <22.3°
Sulfur ContentSweet crude (<0.5% sulfur), Sour crude (>0.5% sulfur)
ViscosityVaries (light crude is less viscous; heavy crude is thicker)
Boiling Point RangeBetween 40°C to 600°C depending on the fractions

Major Producers of Crude Oil:

CountryProduction (Barrels/Day)
United States~12 million+
Saudi Arabia~10 million+
Russia~9 million+
Canada~4.5 million+
Iraq~4 million+


Uses of Crude Oil:

  • Gasoline for vehicles
  • Diesel and jet fuel
  • Heating oil
  • Lubricants
  • Asphalt for road construction
  • Petrochemicals are used in plastics, fertilizers, textiles, and cosmetics

Crude Oil Price Factors:

FactorImpact on Prices
Global Supply & DemandHigh demand or low supply raises prices
Geopolitical TensionsWars, sanctions, or political instability affect supply
OPEC DecisionsProduction quotas directly influence global prices
Natural DisastersHurricanes or fires near refineries can spike prices
Economic TrendsRecession or growth cycles impact oil consumption

Types of Crude Oil:

TypeDescription
Brent CrudeSourced from the North Sea, benchmark for Europe/Africa
WTI CrudeUsed in the Middle East and Asia trades
Dubai CrudeMedium sour crude, benchmark for Asian markets
Oman CrudeUsed in Middle East and Asia trades

Refining Process Overview:

  1. Separation – Through distillation towers into fractions like gasoline, diesel, etc.
  2. Conversion – Heavier molecules are converted into lighter ones using cracking processes
  3. Treatment – Removal of impurities like sulfur
  4. Blending – Final mixing for market-ready fuels
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