1. What It Is:
Light Crude Oil (LCO) is a low-density, low-viscosity crude oil with high API gravity (above 31°) and low sulfur content (often called "sweet"). It’s one of the most desirable crude types for refining.
2. Key Characteristics:
- API Gravity: 32°–45° (light)
- Sulfur Content: <0.5% (sweet crude)
- Color: Light to medium amber
- Low metal and salt impurities
- High yield of gasoline, diesel, naphtha, and jet fuel
3. Advantages:
- Easier and cheaper to refine
- Yields more high-value products
- Requires less processing and desulfurization
- Preferred by most global refineries
4. Main Sources:
- WTI (USA)
- Brent (North Sea)
- Bonny Light (Nigeria)
- Murban (UAE)
- ESPO (Russia – East Asia export)
5. Applications:
- Refined into transportation fuels (gasoline, jet, diesel)
- Also used for petrochemical feedstocks like naphtha
- Powers global transportation and industry
6. Market Role:
- Highly traded in international markets
- Benchmarks (like Brent & WTI) are based on light crude
- Priced higher than heavy or sour grades due to ease of refining
