In the first half of 2022, US crude oil production averaged 11.1 million barrels per day (b/d), up from an annual average of 10.8 million b/d in 2021. Crude oil with a higher API gravity is lighter, or less dense. . The production of light crude oil with an API value greater than 45.1 degrees increased the most, while the production of crude oil with an API value of less than 30.0 degrees decreased.
In the first half of 2022, US crude oil production with an API gravity above 45 degrees rose by 185,000 b/d to 3.1 million b/d, accounting for 28% of output from the Lower 48 states. In contrast, production of the heaviest category of crude oil with an API of 30.0 degrees or less fell to 33,000 b/d in the first half of 2022, 10% of output in the Lower 48 states.
The United States imported 6.3 million b/d of crude oil in the first half of 2022, up from 6.1 million b/d in 2021. Heavier levels of crude oil imports tend to be imported into the United States. In the first half of 2022, 69% of US crude oil imports had an API of 30.0 degrees or lower, and 22% had an API between 30.1 and 35.0 degrees. Most US crude oil imports come from Canada, which produces heavier grades of crude oil than the United States. In the first half of 2022, Canada accounted for 61% of all US crude oil imports.
Although large quantities of crude oil are produced in the United States, it still imports crude oil to meet its domestic refining needs. Crude oils vary in quality, including API gravity and sulfur content. Sweet crude oils have a relatively low sulfur content, while crude oils have a relatively high sulfur content. The U.S. refining complex is advanced and capable of refining heavier, sourer crudes, which generally cost less than lighter, sweeter crudes.
Refinery crude oil shale — the mixture that a refinery can process into petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel — has become lighter over time. In 2005, the average API of crude oil entering US refineries was 30.2 degrees. The average rose to 33.0 degrees in the first half of 2022.
Senior Assistant: Matt French
