What is the difference between crude oil, petroleum products, and petroleum?

Crude oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons that exists as a liquid in natural underground reservoirs and remains liquid when brought to the surface. Petroleum products are produced from the processing of crude oil at petroleum refineries and the extraction of liquid hydrocarbons at natural gas processing plants. Petroleum is the broad category that includes both crude oil and petroleum products. The terms "oil" and "petroleum" are sometimes used interchangeably.

Last reviewed: July 26, 2012

Other FAQs about Crude Oil

• Do we have enough oil worldwide to meet our future needs?
• Does EIA have data on U.S. oil refineries and their locations?
• Does EIA have data on the movement of crude oil and ethanol by rail and truck?
• Does EIA have data on the type or quality of crude oil processed in U.S. refineries?
• Does EIA have maps or information on the location of natural gas and oil pipelines?
• How dependent is the United States on foreign oil?
• How many gallons of gasoline does one barrel of oil make?
• How much coal, natural gas, or petroleum is used to generate a kilowatt-hour of electricity?
• How much does it cost to produce crude oil and natural gas?
• How much of the oil produced in the U.S. is consumed in the U.S.?
• How much oil does the United States consume per year?
• How much oil is produced in Alaska and where does it go?
• How much oil is used to make plastic?
• How much petroleum does the United States import and from where?
• What are the differences between various types of crude oil prices?
• What are the products and uses of petroleum?
• What countries are the top world oil consumers?
• What countries are the top world oil net exporters?
• What countries are the top world oil net importers?
• What countries are the top world oil producers?
• What do I pay for in a gallon of regular gasoline?
• What is the difference between crude oil, petroleum products, and petroleum?
• What is the outlook for home heating fuel prices this winter?
• What types and amounts of energy are produced in each state?
• When was the last refinery built in the United States?
• Where is the boundary for state and federal offshore oil and gas production?
• Why don't fuel prices change as quickly as crude oil prices?
• Why is the United States exporting gasoline when prices are so high?