Heavy Crude Oil

Heavy crude oil is a dense and highly viscous form of petroleum characterized by its low API gravity and higher molecular weight hydrocarbons. Unlike light crude oil, heavy crude contains a greater proportion of long-chain hydrocarbons, metals, and impurities, making it more complex to refine but highly valuable for specific industrial and energy applications. At PetroBNX, Heavy Crude Oil is offered as a dedicated product category to support refineries, traders, and industrial buyers seeking reliable supply from verified sources.
Heavy crude oil plays a critical role in the global energy mix, particularly for refineries equipped with advanced conversion units such as cokers and hydrocrackers. With increasing demand for asphalt, fuel oil, and petrochemical feedstocks, heavy crude oil remains a strategically important commodity in international markets.
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Key Characteristics of Heavy Crude Oil

Heavy crude oil is primarily defined by the following properties:
• Low API Gravity: Typically below 22° API, indicating higher density
• High Viscosity: Requires heating or dilution for transportation
• Higher Sulfur Content: Often classified as sour crude
• Elevated Metals and Asphaltenes: Including vanadium and nickel
• Dark Color and Thick Consistency
These characteristics influence how heavy crude oil is produced, transported, priced, and refined. While it demands more complex processing, it also provides strong economic value when utilized by properly configured refineries.
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Common Grades and Sources

Heavy crude oil is produced in several regions worldwide and includes well-known grades such as:
• Venezuelan Heavy and Extra-Heavy Crudes
• Canadian Oil Sands Bitumen and Diluted Bitumen (Dilbit)
• Middle Eastern Heavy Crude Grades
• Latin American and Asian Heavy Crude Streams
Each grade differs in sulfur content, acidity, metals concentration, and yield profile. PetroBNX listings typically include detailed assay data to help buyers evaluate refinery compatibility.
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Technical Specifications

Buyers sourcing Heavy Crude Oil through PetroBNX can access detailed technical specifications, including:
• API Gravity
• Sulfur Content (%)
• Density at 15°C
• Viscosity at Various Temperatures
• Pour Point
• Water and Sediment (BS&W)
• Metals Content (Vanadium, Nickel)
• Total Acid Number (TAN)
• Asphaltene Content
These parameters are essential for assessing processing requirements, blending strategies, and overall refining economics.
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Applications and End Uses

Heavy crude oil is a versatile feedstock used across multiple industries:
Refining and Fuel Production
Advanced refineries process heavy crude oil into valuable products such as:
• Fuel oil
• Diesel and gasoil
• Petroleum coke
• LPG and other refined fuels
Asphalt and Bitumen Production
Due to its high residue content, heavy crude oil is particularly suitable for producing:
• Road asphalt
• Roofing materials
• Waterproofing and insulation products
Petrochemical Feedstock
Certain fractions of heavy crude oil are used as feedstock for petrochemical processes, supporting the production of plastics, carbon materials, and specialty chemicals.
Power Generation and Industrial Fuel
In some regions, heavy crude oil and its derivatives are utilized for:
• Power plants
• Cement factories
• Industrial boilers and furnaces
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Transportation and Handling

Transporting heavy crude oil requires specialized handling due to its viscosity:
• Heating Systems: Maintains flow during storage and transport
• Dilution: Blending with lighter hydrocarbons or condensate
• Pipeline Transport: With temperature and pressure control
• Marine Transport: Bulk shipments via tanker vessels
PetroBNX suppliers comply with international safety, environmental, and operational standards to ensure secure delivery.
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Pricing and Market Dynamics

Heavy crude oil is generally priced at a discount relative to light crude benchmarks due to higher refining costs. Pricing is influenced by:
• Global crude oil benchmarks
• Refinery demand and capacity
• Sulfur regulations and environmental policies
• Transportation and logistics costs
• Regional supply and geopolitical factors
For complex refineries, heavy crude oil can offer attractive margins when processed efficiently.
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Quality Control and Compliance

Heavy crude oil listed on PetroBNX adheres to internationally recognized standards where applicable. Buyers may request:
• Independent inspection reports
• Certificate of Quality and Quantity
• Crude assay analysis
• Third-party verification
This ensures transparency and confidence throughout the transaction process.
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Why Buy Heavy Crude Oil Through PetroBNX?

• Access to verified global suppliers
• Transparent technical data and documentation
• Support for spot and long-term contracts
• Flexible volumes and delivery terms
• Efficient communication between buyers and sellers
PetroBNX acts as a professional marketplace designed to streamline heavy crude oil sourcing while reducing operational and commercial risks.
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Heavy crude oil remains a vital component of the global energy and industrial supply chain. While it requires advanced refining capabilities, it offers significant economic and strategic advantages for buyers equipped to handle its unique characteristics. Through PetroBNX, buyers and sellers can connect efficiently, access detailed product information, and engage in secure, transparent heavy crude oil transactions.
Explore available Heavy Crude Oil listings on PetroBNX and unlock new opportunities in the global petroleum market.