AmericanWaffle
Introduction
One of the many legal runs that you can do on the island of Altis is oil mining. Petroleum, or Oil, can be found in the ground that is found underneath geological formations on the earth’s surface. It is one of the first recommended runs for newer players as its payout is viable enough for small to medium-scale operations that can be increased with possession of a Worker's Protection License. This is a good beginner run as all three of the areas are very close together and there are multiple gang sheds and houses that can be purchased less than 25 meters away from the processor that can allow gangs to make an easy, consistent source of income that can be used to finance many other ventures. Keep in mind, however, to store oil in houses or gang sheds you will need to purchase oil storage in order to store the liquid oil.
Starting the Run
Before you begin, it is a good idea to check the market value of oil using the market tab on your “Y” menu to make sure nobody has sold oil recently to maximize your profits. It is also recommended to stop by the DMV and purchase an “oil processing license” as it is a prerequisite for processing the crude oil into processed oil for sale. It is also necessary to take a pickaxe, which can be purchased at any market or gas station, as well as 3 items of food and water to sustain yourself for the duration of the run. You will want to begin by pulling a fuel truck out of the garage southwest of Neochori and traveling farther west to the Oil Fields. It will have to be a variant of fuel truck as normal vehicles cannot hold oil. To find out which vehicles can and cannot hold oil reference the civilian vehicles page. The drive there can be cut short by a long stretch of slightly bumpy but mostly flat plains. Once you’re done dodging field rocks and fences you will arrive at the large, flat, and exposed field that houses the Oil Towers. You will want to make good use of the industrial installations as cover from any enemies or as shielding to protect your vehicles from prying eyes. You will be able to begin harvesting once you are near the icon that is displayed on the map by using your windows key to harvest. Moving around while harvesting will increase pickup speed and just might throw off any would-be sharpshooters. Once you are done you will proceed to the northwest towards Oil Processing.
Processing
Fortunately, the processor is also located away from most high-traffic areas and roadways as it is nestled in a large industrial facility that is a short drive from the MSR (Main State Road) and far north from Kavala. You can process Oil by filling your inventory with the unprocessed product and using your scroll wheel to activate the menu on the processing machinery. Once you begin processing you will be extremely vulnerable, however, there are many buildings and large pieces of industrial equipment that can be used for cover and to conceal your vehicles from prying eyes. It will take a long time to process so keep your wits about you and be ready to listen for approaching aerial or ground vehicles. Fortunately, there is a bonus for processing that will incrementally give you faster progress as you process more Oil if you possess a Worker’s Protection License
Selling
After you have processed everything you will depart down the MSR (Main State Road) directly east towards the copper trader. The trader is standing in an industrial dig-site and is hidden by advantageous terrain on all sides that will protect you from sight and crosshairs alike. Once you have sold quickly go back into the town of Agios Dionysios as there is a conveniently placed ATM right off the main street to deposit your profits.
Payout
Using a fuel truck with no storage upgrades and a bergen backpack (140 Processed Oil) will yield a payout of $409,772 (WPL: $471,237)
Run Time
Using a fuel truck with no storage upgrades, a bergen backpack, and Tier-4 turbo this run will take 24 minutes and 15 seconds. With a workers protection license to increase processing, it will take 20-22 minutes.