Forties quality to change

摘要

North Sea benchmark-setting Forties crude will turn heavier over the next two years. Forties is a 40-41° API blend of crudes, but its quality - will deteriorate in 2011-12, as output from Nexen's Buzzard field stabilises and lighter, sweeter streams decline. Buzzard is expected to maintain production of up to 220,000 b/d until at least 2014. The field produces 32.8°API crude with 1.48pc sulphur, far heavier and sourer than the average 44.1°API and 0.2pc sulphur for the other 70pc of Forties.