Petrol vs. Gasoline — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 21, 2023
Petrol and Gasoline refer to the same liquid fuel for internal combustion engines, but "Petrol" is commonly used in British English while "Gasoline" is preferred in American English.
Difference Between Petrol and Gasoline
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Key Differences
Petrol and Gasoline are terms that frequently cause confusion among those who travel between the UK and the US. Essentially, both words describe the same substance: a refined product of crude oil used as fuel in internal combustion engines. However, the choice of term often hinges on regional linguistic preferences. In the UK and many other countries, the term "Petrol" is predominant. In contrast, in the US, the term "Gasoline" is more familiar.
The difference between Petrol and Gasoline is strictly linguistic, rooted in the history and development of the English language in different regions. Over time, the British favored the term "Petrol", a shortened form of "petroleum spirit". The Americans, meanwhile, opted for "Gasoline", which, interestingly, originally had the suffix "-ene" added to "gasol", a now-obsolete word for a specific petroleum fraction.
Beyond the Atlantic divide, the terms Petrol and Gasoline can be indicative of a person's regional background. To an American, the word "Gasoline" might evoke memories of large filling stations and road trips, while to a Brit, "Petrol" might bring to mind smaller fuel stations and drives in the countryside.
In global contexts, especially in business or scientific communication, it's crucial to recognize that Petrol and Gasoline are synonymous. The primary distinction is the regional usage, which is a testament to the rich tapestry of the English language and its diverse evolution.
Comparison Chart
Regional Use
British English
American English
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Origin
Shortened from "petroleum spirit"
From "gasol" with the suffix "-ene"
Common Abbreviation
Petrol station
Gas station
Linguistic Association
UK, Commonwealth Nations
US, some parts of Canada
Chemical Composition
Same as Gasoline
Same as Petrol
Compare with Definitions
Petrol
A light flammable oil used as motor fuel.
The cost of Petrol has risen recently.
Gasoline
American term for the fuel in cars.
The Gasoline station is a few miles down the road.
Petrol
British term for the gasoline fuel.
While in London, he filled up his car with Petrol.
Gasoline
A volatile fuel also known as petrol in some regions.
The US predominantly uses the term Gasoline instead of Petrol.
Petrol
Refined product of petroleum used in vehicles.
I need to stop by the station and get some Petrol.
Gasoline
Motor fuel derived from crude oil.
Gasoline taxes contribute to road maintenance funding.
Petrol
Liquid used to power internal combustion engines.
Petrol prices often fluctuate based on global events.
Gasoline
A combustible liquid for powering engines.
This lawn mower runs on Gasoline.
Petrol
A light fuel oil that is obtained by distilling petroleum and used in internal combustion engines.
Petrol fumes
Gasoline
A transparent petroleum-derived liquid used as fuel.
Gasoline engines are less efficient than electric ones.
Petrol
A shade of greenish or greyish blue.
Gasoline
Gasoline () or petrol () (see the etymology for naming differences and the use of the term gas) is a transparent, petroleum-derived flammable liquid that is used primarily as a fuel in most spark-ignited internal combustion engines. It consists mostly of organic compounds obtained by the fractional distillation of petroleum, enhanced with a variety of additives.
Petrol
Gasoline.
Gasoline
A volatile mixture of flammable liquid hydrocarbons derived chiefly from crude petroleum and used principally as a fuel for internal-combustion engines.
Petrol
Petroleum, a fluid consisting of a mixture of refined petroleum hydrocarbons, primarily consisting of octane, commonly used as a motor fuel.
Gasoline
A flammable liquid consisting of a mixture of refined petroleum hydrocarbons, mainly used as a motor fuel; petrol.
Petrol
(informal) A motor vehicle powered by petrol (as opposed to diesel).
Gasoline
(countable) Any specific kind of gasoline.
The refinery produces a wide range of gasolines.
Petrol
Petroleum.
Gasoline
Marijuana, especially very potent or high quality.
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
Gasoline
(slang) An alcoholic beverage made of vodka and energy drink.
Petrol
Volatile fuel for motorized transport.
Cars running on Petrol contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Gasoline
Made from or using gasoline.
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.
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
Common Curiosities
Can a car designed for Gasoline run on Petrol?
Yes, because Gasoline and Petrol are the same fuel, just with different names based on the region.
Which term is more universally understood, Petrol or Gasoline?
Both are widely understood, but using "Petrol" in the UK and "Gasoline" in the US might prevent minor confusions.
Are Petrol and Gasoline prices always the same?
While they refer to the same fuel, prices can vary based on regional taxes, supply, demand, and other factors.
Why do Brits call it Petrol and Americans Gasoline?
It's a linguistic evolution, with Brits shortening "petroleum spirit" and Americans adapting from "gasol" with "-ene".
Is there a chemical difference between Petrol and Gasoline?
No, Petrol and Gasoline are chemically the same; the difference is in regional terminology.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
