- Oil is measured in barrels, which is equal to 42 US gallons or 159 liters.
- The US has the 10th largest oil reserve in the world. Venezuela has the largest, with 298.35 billion barrels compared to the US’ 33 billion barrels.
- The US consumes more oil than any other country -- 1.85 billion barrels per day.
- Gasoline makes up 45% of crude oil.
- Petrochemicals (found in oil) helped produce the electronic device you are reading on right now.
- Oil is used to create medicine, recreational sports items, and cosmetics.
- Oil is also referred to as “Texas Tea” and “Black Gold.”
- The process of oil drilling begins with a drill cutting through the earth, allowing air to be pumped downwards, and once the oil is hit, it rushes to the surface and can shoot dozens of meters out of the ground.
- In the past 25 years, there have been more than two dozen oil spills in the US.
- Oil and gas have played an important role throughout world history. Ancient cultures used crude oil as a substance for binding materials and as a sealant for waterproofing various surfaces.
- As of January 2014, the 27 petroleum refineries in Texas had a capacity of over 5.1 million barrels of crude oil per day and accounted for 29% of total U.S. refining capacity.
