Global Petroleum Products

The first petroleum product that was ever produced was Kerosene, as a cheaper and better source of light than whale oil, by simple atmospheric distillation of crude oil, reportedly in 1861. Everything else was "by-products". For the next 30+ years kerosene was the main product

Two significant events, in late 1800s and early 1900s changed this situation: (i) invention of the electric light decreased the demand for kerosene, and (ii) invention of the internal combustion engine created a demand for gasoline and diesel fuel

With the advent of mass production and World War I, the number of gasoline-powered vehicles increased dramatically and the demand for gasoline grew accordingly

Diesel demand grew rapidly after the 1920s due to its use in commercial trucks, trains, and early automobiles, which offered superior fuel efficiency and torque. Demand was further boosted by its adoption in the military and shipping during the 20th century

The first jet engines in the 1930s and 1940s were initially fueled by illuminating kerosene. Demand began to rise significantly with the advent of commercial jet airliners after World War II, driven by the globalization of business and tourism. Jet Fuel or Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) was developed to meet the stringent property requirements of jet engines

Historically, Naphtha was simply a widely available byproduct of crude oil refining. In the mid-20th Century, Naphtha demand grew as a crucial feedstock for the emerging chemical industry, used to create essential building blocks Ethylene / Propylene / Butadiene (E/P/B) and Benzene / Toluene / Xylenes (BTX). Demand was initially strong in Europe but has since shifted dramatically to the Asia-Pacific region, driven by economic growth and feedstock availability considerations

Global demand for residual fuel oil (RFO) has historically been driven by heavy industries, power generation, and marine transport needs. Over the last few decades, RFO demand has been on a structural decline, due principally to environment regulations. Complex refineries on their part have reduced supply of residual fuel oil through upgrading units that convert residue into more valuable lighter products

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Explore Global Petroleum Products Indicators

Refining Capacity kbd

Petroleum Product Exports kbd

Spot Prices Major Markets

Crack Spreads Major Markets

Petroleum Products Consumption

All Products Consumption kbd

LPG Consumption kbd

Gasoline Consumption kbd

Jet Fuel Consumption kbd

Kero Consumption kbd