Crude Oil Grades Explained: Why Crude Prices Differ

In this episode of The Officials Explain, Will and Ed break down the fascinating world of crude oil grades - and why the market can’t afford to ignore their differences. From the lightest Malaysian condensates to Venezuela’s goopy Merey 16, they explore how density, sulphur, and even metal content shape both value and logistics. They unpack: • The role of API gravity and sulphur content in defining crude grades • Why yield matters, and how refiners calculate value from gasoline to fuel oil • How soaring fuel oil cracks are flipping traditional Dubai benchmark pricing • The mechanics of quality premiums and sulphur escalators in the North Sea • What refinery setups in Europe, China, and the Gulf of Mexico reveal about global trade flows This episode is essential viewing for anyone working with or exposed to crude-linked pricing. All the trades discussed are live on Onyx Markets, where you can practice, simulate, or dive in. Visit https://onyxmarkets.co.uk/  👉 More "The Officials Explain" videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLdOFnyMotk4U-xon44zYemCocDQ9SmYt  👉 The Officials report: https://www.flux.live/the-official-reports/  👉 Oil swaps dictionary: https://www.onyxmarkets.co.uk/oil-sw  👉 Get live, industry-grade data on Flux Terminal: https://www.onyxcapitalgroup.com/flux  👉 Trade for free with Onyx Markets: https://onyxmarkets.co.uk/  Follow us:  https://linktr.ee/onyxcapitalgroup  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@worldofoilderivatives  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyx-capitalgroup/  X: https://x.com/Onyx__Edge  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@onyxcgroup  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onyxcgroup/  CFDs and spread bets are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. The vast majority of retail client accounts lose money when trading in CFDs and spread bets. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs and spread bets work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.