Hello there, I'm a specialist in the field of energy and resources. It's a pleasure to discuss the topic of oil and its derivatives with you.

When we talk about the amount of fuel in a barrel of oil, it's important to understand that crude oil is not a single product but a mixture of various hydrocarbons and other compounds. The composition of crude oil can vary significantly depending on where it's sourced from, which affects the amount and type of fuels that can be refined from it.

The barrel is a unit of volume commonly used in the oil industry, and it's equivalent to 42 US gallons or approximately 159 liters. However, the amount of fuel you can get from a barrel of crude oil is not fixed and depends on the refining process and the specific types of fuel that are being produced.

In 2016, according to the data from refineries in the United States, for every 42-gallon barrel of crude oil, refineries were able to produce an average of about 20 gallons of motor gasoline and about **11 gallons of ultra-low sulfur distillate fuel oil**. The latter is primarily sold as diesel fuel and, in several states, as heating oil. This indicates that the yield of different types of fuel can be quite varied and is a result of the complex refining process that separates the components of crude oil into useful products.

The refining process involves several steps, including distillation, cracking, and reforming, which are designed to separate the different components based on their boiling points and chemical properties. The lighter components, such as gasoline, are distilled off first, while heavier components require more processing.

It's also worth noting that the efficiency of the refining process can impact the amount of fuel produced. Advances in technology and improvements in refining techniques can lead to higher yields of desired products. Additionally, the demand for different types of fuel can influence the focus of the refining process. For example, if there is a higher demand for diesel fuel, refineries may adjust their processes to produce more of this type of fuel.

In conclusion, the amount of fuel in a barrel of oil is not a straightforward number due to the complex nature of crude oil and the refining process. It varies based on the source of the crude oil, the efficiency of the refining process, and the types of fuel that are being produced. The figures from 2016 provide a snapshot of what was possible at that time, but it's important to recognize that these numbers can change over time with technological advancements and shifts in demand.

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In 2016, refineries in the United States produced an average of about 20 gallons of motor gasoline and about 11 gallons of ultra-low sulfur distillate fuel oil (most of which is sold as diesel fuel and in several states as heating oil) from one 42-gallon barrel of crude oil.May 10, 2017read more >>