Compare crude oil and petroleum
Petroleum (also known as crude oil) is the raw material from which gasoline is derived. It is a naturally occurring and flammable substance that is comprised of different types of hydrocarbons with different molecular weights, as well as a variety of organic compounds, all of which occur naturally underneath the surface of the Earth. What is the Difference between Crude Oil and Vegetable Oil? Once crude oil has been distilled, it can be used for a variety of fuels, including petroleum, jet fuel, diesel fuel, propane and other heating fuels. Crude oil is also an important component of plastic, some clothing products, home insulation and even fertilizers. There are two crude oil inventory reports released each week in the United States. One is from the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the other is from the U.S. Energy Information