Throughout the world, oil and gasoline fuel vehicles, heat homes, and power machinery. While they all supply energy to their intended sources, each type of fuel is created, supplied, and used differently. Below are a few of the most common types of fuel you may use and how they each differ.

6 Different Types of Fuel Explained

1. Crude Oil

Crude oil is also known as unrefined petroleum. It’s a combination of different hydrocarbons that exist as liquid underneath the earth’s crust. Once extracted, it is distilled into products of different weights. Heavier products are used to make substances like tar, lubricating oils, paraffin wax, and asphalt. Lighter varieties generate heat and produce energy, which warms homes and fuels cars, trucks, and airplanes.  

2. Natural Gas

Natural gas is mainly comprised of methane, a simple molecule that burns cleanly. In its gas form, methane typically needs to be compressed to be used by vehicles. It’s often found in the same well that drillers use to unearth fossil fuels, and is found deep beneath the earth’s surface.

3. Gasoline

Made from refined petroleum, gasoline fuels internal combustion engines. It’s also known as the lightest form of crude oil, making it less dense and more flammable than diesel fuel. Most of the passenger cars and trucks that you see on the road use gasoline. 

4. Diesel

Alternatively, diesel (also distilled from petroleum), is heavier, denser and less flammable than gasoline. Often, freight trucks, trains, buses, farm vehicles, boats, and some types of cars and small trucks have engines that burn diesel. Its increased density means that diesel provides more energy per gallon than other varieties. Because it has fewer additives than gasoline, diesel releases fewer greenhouse gases; however, since it produces more sulfur when it burns, it is known to contribute to acid rain.

5. Fuel Oil

Fuel oil is distilled petroleum. It is typically burned in furnaces, stoves, boilers, and lanterns to generate heat for homes. It’s chemically similar to diesel fuel, though it’s stained with a reddish dye. Depending on where it’s purchased, this fuel is often less expensive than gas and electricity bills for other heating systems. It’s not explosive, and it is safe to use.

6. Biodiesel

As a replacement for sulfur-producing diesel, biodiesel is renewable and clean-burning. In addition to having a positive impact on the environment, biodiesel is also helping the U.S. reduce its dependency on foreign petroleum. While diesel is created from fossil fuels, biodiesel is produced from vegetable oil and its waste, tallow, and animal fats.

Regardless of the fuel that you need, you can trust CMS Oil Company in Lapeer, MI, to supply and deliver it. This family-owned and -operated oil and gas team has been in business since 1945. They provide everything from crude oil and home heating solutions to fuel storage tanks of all sizes. To meet your needs, they offer a variety of payment plans to suit any budget. Learn more about their product options online, and call (801) 664-8491 to place an order.