Every year on August 27 Bulk Fuel Australia (and the rest of world) celebrate Petroleum Day. There’s no denying that crude oil has shaped the way the development of human society, so on this day of appreciation we take a look back at the origins of oil and what’s driving innovation in the fuel industry.

Brief history of oil

Did you know crude oil was first pumped from below the ground in China’s Sichuan Province over 2,500 years ago? During the Han Dynasty, the Chinese used bamboo pipelines to transport natural gas and would mix it with air to yield a source of fuel for fire. Early uses of oil in China also included weaponry, traditional medicine lubricants, ink and lighting.

The discovery of oil in the United States is credited to Edwin Drake, who on August 27 in the year 1859 struck oil approximately 70 feet below the surface in the town of Titusville, Pennsylvania.

Did you know?

• The word “petroleum” when translated simply means rock oil.  It’s derived from two Greek words: “petra” which means rock and “oleum” which is oil.
• Crude oil benchmarks for Australia (and the Asia-Pacific market) are Tapis, Dated Brent, and Dubai. The West Texas Intermediate (US benchmark) does not affect Australian petrol prices, despite what gets reported in the media
• Generally speaking, those looking for variances in prices when the Singapore market changes can expect a 1-2 week time lag before taking effect in Australia

Improving fuel standards for cleaner air

Individuals and businesses rely heavily on petrol to keep Australia moving, however there is a growing urgency to reduce air pollution. The Australian Government is now committed to amending the Fuel Quality Standards Act to further assist in the reduction of the level of pollutants and emissions arising from fuel.

One of the key areas the Department of Environment and Energy would like to focus on is the outcomes of cleaner, high-quality fuel, which will significantly improve air quality and public health, while giving Australians access to better vehicle technology with innovative emission control systems.

Any amendments won’t come into effect until 2019, however Bulk Fuel Australia are currently leading the cleaner fuel movement with Final Filtered Diesel^®. This is a single-pass filter unit which removes up to 50% of small particles and frees water from diesel, which results in a cleanliness level better than current industry standards. If you’d like to improve on performance, extended engine life and reduce overall emissions, contact Bulk Fuel Australia today to get Final Filtered Diesel^® delivered to you.