Light crude from the U.S. has been winning over customers globally with its low sulfur content and refining qualities similar to other light grades from the North Sea and Africa.
If Permian crude gets lighter than it is right now, refiners may have to use heavier grades to blend it.
Chances are that crude pumped from the Permian could become increasingly lighter as output continues to rise to record highs and drillers are moving to lower-quality locations with more associated natural gas at wells.
