The United States produces lighter crude oil, imports heavier crude oil

In the first half of 2022, U.S. 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. Production of light crude oil with an API value greater than 45.1 degrees increased the most, while production of heavy crude oil with an API lower than 30.0 degrees declined. More »