A crude oil friction reducer is disclosed. The friction reducer includes water soluble anionic surfactants as active components and non-aromatic solvents. The water soluble anionic surfactants include anionic sulfonate surfactant and an anionic sulfate surfactant, such as anionic sodium sulfate surfactant, dissolved in an aqueous chelating solution. The friction reducer may also include a pH adjuster. The friction reducer is used with heavy and extra heavy crude oil.