fuel gas

petroleum product

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

Fuel gas is a gaseous mixture primarily composed of methane, a component of natural gas. It is a product of petroleum refining and is consumed within plant operations due to its variable composition, which makes it unsuitable for consumer gas systems. While its heating value is similar to natural gas, its periodic variability prevents its use in consumer delivery systems. Hydrogen is also a gaseous refinery product, with most of it used in desulfurization facilities. Other gaseous products from petroleum refining include ethane, propane, and butane, which are sold as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). LPG is a portable fuel used for domestic heating, cooking, and light industrial applications.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

7 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

petroleum refining
Gases
refinery products include hydrogen, fuel gas, ethane, propane, and butane. Most of the hydrogen is consumed in refinery desulfurization facilities, which remove hydrogen sulfide from the gas stream and then separate that compound into elemental hydrogen and sulfur; small quantities of the hydrogen may be delivered to the refinery…
Read More
refinery products include hydrogen, fuel gas, ethane, propane, and butane. Most of the hydrogen is consumed in refinery desulfurization facilities, which remove hydrogen sulfide from the gas stream and then separate that compound into elemental hydrogen and sulfur; small quantities of the hydrogen may be delivered to the refinery…
Read More