Argus Media Alternative for
Developers & Startups
Need oil and energy prices without enterprise contracts? Get market data via REST API from $19/month.
Comparison: Argus Media vs OilPriceAPI
| Feature | Argus Media | OilPriceAPI |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Enterprise contracts | $19/mo self-serve |
| Oil & Energy Prices | ||
| REST API | Limited | |
| Python SDK | ||
| Argus Assessments | ||
| Setup Time | Weeks | 5 Minutes |
Python SDK Included
pip install oilpriceapi
from oilpriceapi import OilPriceAPI
client = OilPriceAPI("your_api_key")
price = client.get_price("BRENT_CRUDE_USD")OilPriceAPI vs Argus Media: feature-by-feature
| Dimension | OilPriceAPI | Argus Media |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free tier; see pricing page | Enterprise license / contact sales |
| Data type | Market & exchange energy prices via API | Proprietary Argus price ASSESSMENTS + market data |
| Access model | REST API + WebSocket + SDKs | Licensed feed / platform |
| Integration time | API key + JSON — under an hour | Enterprise onboarding + license |
| Assessed benchmarks | Not an assessment provider | Industry Argus assessments (incl. illiquid markets) |
| Update cadence | ~5 min + WebSocket | Assessment windows + real-time |
When to choose each
Choose OilPriceAPI when…
- You need tradable/market energy prices via API, cheaply and fast.
- REST/WebSocket + SDKs, hour-long integration, free tier to evaluate.
Choose Argus Media when…
- You specifically need official Argus ASSESSMENTS for contracts or settlement — OilPriceAPI is not a substitute for the Argus assessment methodology.
- Your workflow is built on Argus symbols/assessment windows, or you need assessed prices in illiquid markets.
OilPriceAPI vs Argus Media: FAQ
Is OilPriceAPI a replacement for Argus Media assessments?
No. Argus Media is a proprietary price assessment provider, and its published assessments are produced by Argus's own methodology — often for illiquid or specialized markets. OilPriceAPI provides market and exchange-based energy prices via API and is not a substitute for Argus's official assessment methodology. If your contracts or settlements reference Argus assessments, you still need Argus for that.
What energy data does OilPriceAPI cover?
Global energy benchmarks including WTI crude (WTI_CRUDE_USD), Brent crude (BRENT_CRUDE_USD), Henry Hub and UK natural gas, RBOB gasoline, marine fuels, per-state US retail gasoline and diesel, and drilling intelligence such as well permits and DUC wells.
How often does OilPriceAPI update prices?
Prices update approximately every 5 minutes, and you can also subscribe to real-time updates over WebSocket in addition to the REST API.
How much does OilPriceAPI cost compared to Argus Media?
OilPriceAPI has a free tier with self-serve signup and paid plans listed on our pricing page. Argus Media is sold through enterprise licensing and contract sales. OilPriceAPI is designed for fast, low-cost programmatic access rather than licensed assessment feeds.
Does OilPriceAPI offer SDKs and historical data?
Yes. There are official SDKs for Python, JavaScript, Java, C#, and Ruby, plus a REST API and WebSocket streaming. Historical WTI data goes back to 1983.
When should I choose Argus Media instead of OilPriceAPI?
Choose Argus when you specifically need its official price assessments — for example for contract pricing, settlement, or assessed prices in illiquid markets where Argus's methodology is the reference. Choose OilPriceAPI when you need tradable, market-based energy prices delivered quickly via API with SDKs and a free tier to evaluate.