Why Do Americans Call Petrol Gas?
Exploring the terminology differences between petrol and gas in American English.
Terminology Origins
In the United States, the term 'gas' is short for 'gasoline,' which is a refined petroleum product used to fuel internal combustion engines. The word 'gasoline' itself originated in the mid-19th century, derived from a combination of 'gas' and the suffix '-oline,' which was used to denote various types of oils and fuels.
In contrast, the term 'petrol' is commonly used in many other English-speaking countries, such as the UK and Australia, and is derived from 'petroleum.' This reflects a more direct connection to the source of the fuel, which is crude oil.
Cultural Differences
The use of 'gas' in American English has become the standard term, while 'petrol' is less commonly understood in the U.S. This difference in terminology is largely due to regional language evolution and cultural preferences. As the automotive industry grew in the U.S., so did the use of the term 'gasoline,' which was eventually shortened to 'gas.'
In everyday conversation, Americans typically refer to 'gas stations' rather than 'petrol stations,' further solidifying the term's place in American vernacular.
Conclusion
Understanding these differences in terminology can help bridge communication gaps between English speakers from different regions. While 'gas' and 'petrol' refer to the same substance, the choice of word reflects cultural and linguistic variations.
Answered from our EPA fuel data and general, well-established fuel facts in response to real driver questions. Anything car-specific — especially whether premium is required vs recommended — is in your owner's manual, so we point you there instead of guessing.
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EPA/DOE FuelEconomy.gov data retrieved 2026-10-25.