The OPEC Reference Basket (ORB), also referred to as the OPEC Basket, is a weighted average of prices for petroleum blends produced by OPEC members. It is used as an important benchmark for crude oil prices. OPEC has often attempted to keep the price of the OPEC Basket between upper and lower limits, by increasing and decreasing production. This makes the measure important for market analysts. The OPEC Basket, including a mix of light and heavy crude oil products, is heavier than both Brent crude oil, and West Texas Intermediate crude oil.
Since January 1, 2017, the OPEC reference basket consists of a weighted average of the following crudes:
Old line-up
Prior to June 16, 2005, the OPEC Basket did not include petroleum blends from all OPEC members. The earlier basket consisted of seven crudes: