Petroleum vs. Kerosene — What's the Difference?

A naturally occurring liquid found beneath the Earth's surface that can be refined into fuels and plastics.

Burns cleaner than many other fuels.

A primary source for gasoline and diesel production.

Has a distinct odor and requires careful handling.

Used as a base for many chemical products.

A clear combustible oil distilled from petroleum, primarily used as fuel.

Crude oil that comprises a complex blend of hydrocarbons.

Used in jet engines and heating systems.

Heavily traded on global commodity markets.

Often sold in hardware stores for heating or lighting purposes.

Petroleum (), also known as crude oil and oil, is a naturally occurring, yellowish-black liquid found in geological formations beneath the Earth's surface. It is commonly refined into various types of fuels.

Kerosene is a combustible hydrocarbon liquid which is derived from petroleum. It is widely used as a fuel in aviation as well as households.

A liquid mixture of hydrocarbons which is present in suitable rock strata and can be extracted and refined to produce fuels including petrol, paraffin, and diesel oil; oil.

A thin oil distilled from petroleum or shale oil, used as a fuel for heating and cooking, in lamps, and as a denaturant for alcohol. Also called coal oil.

A thick, flammable, yellow-to-black mixture of gaseous, liquid, and solid hydrocarbons that occurs naturally beneath the earth's surface, can be separated into fractions including natural gas, gasoline, naphtha, kerosene, fuel and lubricating oils, paraffin wax, and asphalt and is used as raw material for a wide variety of derivative products.

A thin colorless to straw-colored petroleum-based fuel heavier than gasoline/petrol or naptha but lighter than diesel, used primarily as jet fuel but also for heating and lighting in some remote or impoverished areas.

A flammable liquid ranging in color from clear to very dark brown and black, consisting mainly of hydrocarbons, occurring naturally in deposits under the Earth's surface.

An oil used for illuminating purposes, formerly obtained from the distillation of mineral wax, bituminous shale, etc., and hence called also coal oil. It is now produced in immense quantities, chiefly by the distillation and purification of petroleum. It consists chiefly of several hydrocarbons of the methane series, having from 10 to 16 carbon atoms in each molecule, and having a higher boiling point (175 - 325° C) than gasoline or the petroleum ethers, and a lower boling point than the oils.

Rock oil, mineral oil, or natural oil, a dark brown or greenish inflammable liquid, which, at certain points, exists in the upper strata of the earth, from whence it is pumped, or forced by pressure of the gas attending it. It consists of a complex mixture of various hydrocarbons, largely of the methane series, but may vary much in appearance, composition, and properties. It is refined by distillation, and the products include kerosene, benzine, gasoline, paraffin, etc.

A flammable hydrocarbon oil used as fuel in lamps and heaters

A dark oil consisting mainly of hydrocarbons

Petroleum plays a crucial role in the global economy, affecting everything from energy prices to geopolitical strategies.

Kerosene is not typically used in cars; it is more commonly used in jet engines and heating systems.

Kerosene is made by distilling petroleum at temperatures between 150 to 275 degrees Celsius.

Yes, kerosene is generally safer to handle and store than gasoline due to its higher flash point.

Petroleum is used for producing fuels like gasoline and diesel, and as a raw material in chemical manufacturing.

Petroleum is found in large quantities beneath the Earth's surface in regions like the Middle East, Russia, and North America.

Kerosene prices are typically lower than gasoline but can vary based on market conditions.

Kerosene itself is used directly rather than converted into many other products.

Generally, petroleum has a broader environmental impact due to its various derivatives and usage, whereas kerosene, while still polluting, has a comparatively lower impact.

It is referred to as "black gold" due to its high economic value and liquid form.

Proper ventilation and careful handling are necessary to prevent fires and health issues.

Refining petroleum products, including kerosene, contributes to air and water pollution.

The main markets for kerosene include aviation fuel and residential heating.

While technically possible, mixing kerosene with other fuels is not recommended without proper guidance due to differences in combustion properties.

The use of petroleum has evolved with advancements in technology and environmental regulations, leading to more efficient and cleaner processes.