Gasoline vs. Petrol: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Gasoline and petrol are the same substance, a refined fossil fuel used in internal combustion engines; "gasoline" is the American term, while "petrol" is used in British English.
Key Differences
Gasoline, commonly referred to in American English, is a volatile, flammable liquid derived from petroleum, used mainly as fuel in internal combustion engines. Petrol, the term used in British English, refers to the same substance, emphasizing its origin from petroleum and its primary use as fuel.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
While gasoline is a term that resonates with the American automotive culture and industry, petrol is more commonly used in Commonwealth countries and reflects the British linguistic influence. Both words describe the same fuel essential for powering most vehicles.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
The composition of gasoline (or petrol) includes a complex mixture of hydrocarbons, typically with 4 to 12 carbon atoms per molecule. The composition and terminology (gasoline vs. petrol) may vary slightly based on regional refining practices and standards.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
In terms of usage, when Americans talk about filling up their car with gasoline, they refer to the same action that a British person would describe as filling up with petrol. This linguistic variation does not imply any difference in the chemical nature of the fuel.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
In the global petroleum industry, the terms gasoline and petrol are often used interchangeably, with context dictating the preferred usage. Regardless of the term, the product plays a crucial role in modern transportation and the global economy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Cultural Association
U.S. automotive culture
U.K. and Commonwealth countries
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Industry Context
Used interchangeably in global context
Used interchangeably in global context
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Dec 22, 2023
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Gasoline and Petrol Definitions
Gasoline
A key commodity in the energy sector:
Gasoline futures are traded on commodity markets.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Petrol
A hydrocarbon mixture for engines:
Petrol quality affects engine performance.
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Dec 12, 2023
Gasoline
A volatile, flammable liquid fuel from petroleum:
The car's engine runs efficiently on high-octane gasoline.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Petrol
A common fuel in many countries:
Cars in the UK primarily use petrol.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Gasoline
A substance used in vehicles worldwide:
Most cars in America are powered by gasoline.
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Dec 12, 2023
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Petrol
A British term for a refined fossil fuel:
In the UK, petrol prices are displayed per litre.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Gasoline
A primary fuel for internal combustion engines:
Gasoline prices fluctuate with global oil markets.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Petrol
A crucial energy resource:
The economy is affected by petrol price changes.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Gasoline
A complex blend of hydrocarbons:
Gasoline is refined to meet specific seasonal requirements.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Petrol
Liquid fuel for vehicles:
Petrol stations are found throughout the city.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 12, 2023
Gasoline
A volatile mixture of flammable liquid hydrocarbons derived chiefly from crude petroleum and used principally as a fuel for internal-combustion engines.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Gasoline
A flammable liquid consisting of a mixture of refined petroleum hydrocarbons, mainly used as a motor fuel; petrol.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Petrol
Petroleum, a fluid consisting of a mixture of refined petroleum hydrocarbons, primarily consisting of octane, commonly used as a motor fuel.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Gasoline
(countable) Any specific kind of gasoline.
The refinery produces a wide range of gasolines.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Petrol
(informal) A motor vehicle powered by petrol (as opposed to diesel).
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Petrol
A volatile flammable mixture of hydrocarbons (hexane and heptane and octane etc.) derived from petroleum; used mainly as a fuel in internal-combustion engines
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Gasoline
A highly volatile mixture of fluid hydrocarbons, obtained mostly from petroleum, as also by the distillation of bituminous coal. It is used as a fuel for most automobiles and for many other vehicles with internal combustion engines. The gasoline of commerce is typically blended with additives to improve its performance in internal combustion engines. Gasoline was also used in the early 1900's in making air gas, and in giving illuminating power to water gas. See Carburetor.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Gasoline
A volatile flammable mixture of hydrocarbons (hexane and heptane and octane etc.) derived from petroleum; used mainly as a fuel in internal-combustion engines
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 10, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is petrol?
Petrol is the British English term for gasoline, a fuel for vehicles.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Why is it called 'petrol' in the UK?
It's derived from 'petroleum,' reflecting British linguistic usage.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
What is gasoline?
Gasoline is a flammable liquid fuel derived from petroleum, used in internal combustion engines.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Why do Americans use 'gasoline'?
It's rooted in American English and associated with the U.S. automotive culture.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
What are gasoline's main components?
Gasoline consists of a mixture of hydrocarbons.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Is petrol used in other engines besides cars?
Yes, it's used in motorcycles, small engines, and some aircraft.
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Dec 22, 2023
Do gasoline prices vary globally?
Yes, due to taxes, demand, and oil market fluctuations.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Are there environmental concerns with petrol?
Yes, it contributes to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
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Dec 22, 2023
Are gasoline and petrol the same?
Yes, they are the same substance, just different regional terms.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Can gasoline be replaced by alternative fuels?
Yes, efforts are underway to develop electric and hydrogen fuels.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
What safety measures are important for petrol?
It requires careful handling due to its flammability.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
How is gasoline used in cars?
It powers internal combustion engines in vehicles.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
What's the octane rating in petrol?
It indicates the fuel's resistance to 'knocking' in engines.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
What are petrol's main components?
Petrol also contains a blend of hydrocarbons, similar to gasoline.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Are there additives in petrol?
Yes, to improve performance and reduce emissions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Is gasoline different in winter and summer?
Yes, it's formulated differently to suit seasonal temperatures.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
How is gasoline transported and stored?
It's transported via pipelines, trucks, and stored in tanks.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
Can petrol go bad over time?
Yes, it can degrade, especially if stored improperly.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
What's the future of gasoline and petrol usage?
Likely to decrease as renewable energy sources become more prevalent.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 22, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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