Crude oil

Basrah Medium vs Basrah Heavy

Both are sour crude streams exported from southern Iraq, but they differ in density, sulphur and refining value. For the grades we handle see Basrah Medium and Basrah Heavy.

What is the difference between Basrah Medium and Basrah Heavy?

Basrah Medium and Basrah Heavy are both sour crude grades exported from southern Iraq, but Basrah Medium is lighter and lower in sulphur while Basrah Heavy is denser with higher sulphur. The lighter grade generally yields more middle distillates and is easier to refine, whereas the heavier grade needs more conversion capacity. Exact specifications vary by cargo and the contractual specification prevails.

Side by side

The clearest way to compare the two is by density (API gravity) and sulphur. The figures below are indicative of each stream and not a guarantee for any cargo.

Basrah Medium — API (indicative)	~28 to 31 degrees
Basrah Medium — sulphur	~2.7% to 3.0%
Basrah Heavy — API (indicative)	~23 to 25 degrees
Basrah Heavy — sulphur	~3.8% to 4.2%

Indicative ranges only. Crude and product characteristics vary by cargo, source and loading date; final contractual specifications prevail.

What the difference means for a refinery

A lighter, lower-sulphur crude generally produces a higher share of middle distillates such as diesel and jet, and needs less investment to meet product sulphur limits. A heavier, higher-sulphur crude produces a larger fraction of residue and typically requires coking, hydrocracking or other conversion units to lift its product value.

Basrah Medium: easier slate, more distillate, usually a smaller discount to benchmark.
Basrah Heavy: heavier slate, more residue, usually a wider discount reflecting processing cost.

Choosing between them

The right grade depends on a refinery's configuration, its product demand and the price differential on the day. Buyers with deep conversion capacity may prefer the heavier grade when its discount is attractive. Both are priced against a regional benchmark; see how crude oil pricing works.

Frequently asked questions

Which grade is cheaper?

Heavier, higher-sulphur crude usually trades at a wider discount to the benchmark than a lighter grade, but the actual differential changes with market conditions.

Which grade is easier to refine?

The lighter, lower-sulphur grade (Basrah Medium) is generally easier to process and needs less conversion capacity than Basrah Heavy.

Are both grades sour?

Yes. Both have sulphur well above the ~0.5% sweet/sour threshold, so both are sour crudes.

Comparing Basrah grades?

Tell us your refinery configuration and target volume and the desk will help you weigh the options.

Discuss a cargo requirement