Kerosene is the second most common type of fuel used worldwide after natural gas, due to the wide range of uses it offers. You likely rely on kerosene in your daily life, whether it’s at home or in your work, though you may not know much about the fuel itself. The fuel delivery team at Monroe Oil Company in Rochester, NY, have shared a few little-known facts about this fuel source.

Interesting Facts to Know about Kerosene

1. Its Name has Greek Origins

British physician Abraham Gesner trademarked kerosene in 1853 though it had been around for years before that. The process for retrieving the fuel involved extracting it from asphalt. The Greek word for wax is “keros,” and kerosene earned this name from its distillation process because the asphalt is a waxy mixture. 

2. The World’s Annual Usage is Almost 20 Billion Gallons

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the world uses an average of .009 million barrels of kerosene each day, and 1.614 million barrels of kerosene-type jet fuel each day. The translates to a total of approximately 19,170,000,000 gallons used each year. The three countries that use the most petroleum products are the United States of America, China, and Japan.

3. It Has a Wide Range of Uses

When most people think about the uses for kerosene, they think about its use as a heating oil or power source. While these are some of the most common, it’s also used in many other ways. For example, it is the most common type of jet fuel, is common in cooking, and is used by fire breathers. It is such a widely used fuel due to its versatility, reliability, and affordability.

When you need kerosene for any reason, look no further than Monroe Oil Company. They have been serving homes and businesses in the greater Rochester area since 1901. They have built a reputation for competitive fuel prices and quick delivery. Learn more about their services online and call (585) 244-4080 to schedule a delivery.