The exchange cannot simply cut a break to a trader for being a retail speculator; that's not how these NYMEX futures work. A brokerage might be able to help a customer buyer by settling the delivery itself, but settlement other than physical would require consent from the matched seller. (There exist other oil futures that are cash settled.)

https://www.cmegroup.com/content/dam/cmegroup/rulebook/NYMEX...

200109. ALTERNATIVE DELIVERY PROCEDURES

A seller and buyer matched by the Exchange under Section 105.E. may agree to make and take delivery under terms or conditions which differ from the terms and conditions prescribed by this Chapter. In such a case, clearing members shall execute an Alternative Notice of Intention to Deliver on the form prescribed by the Exchange and shall deliver a completed and executed copy of such notice to the Exchange. The delivery of an executed Alternative Notice of Intention to Deliver to the Exchange shall release the clearing members and the Exchange from their respective obligations under the rules of this Chapter and any other rules regarding physical delivery.

In executing such notice, clearing members shall indemnify the Exchange against any liability, cost or expense the Exchange may incur for any reason as a result of the execution, delivery, or performance of such contracts or such agreement, or any breach thereof or default thereunder. Upon receipt of an executed Alternative Notice of Intention to Deliver, the Exchange will return to the clearing members all margin monies held for the account of each with respect to the contracts involved.