Are gasoline and petrol the same?

Yes. In everyday use, “gasoline” and “petrol” refer to the same fuel for spark‑ignition internal combustion engines; the difference is mainly regional vocabulary (North America says gasoline or gas, most of the world says petrol). That said, countries may sell different grades and blends (octane labels, ethanol content, detergents), so pump markings can vary even though the fuel’s purpose is the same.

What the terms mean and where they’re used

“Gasoline” is the prevailing term in the United States and Canada, while “petrol” is standard in the United Kingdom, Ireland, India, much of Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia-Pacific. In Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries you’ll typically see “gasolina,” and across continental Europe, equivalents like “Benzin” (German) or “essence” (French) are used. Importantly, the fuel is the same class of light petroleum distillate designed for spark-ignition engines.

Colloquial usage can cause confusion. In North America, “gas” almost always means gasoline, whereas in the UK and much of Europe “gas” often means natural gas for heating and cooking. Also note that “diesel” is a different fuel altogether, and “gas oil” in some countries refers to diesel, not gasoline.

Here are the most common regional terms you might encounter at filling stations and in manuals.

• Gasoline or gas — United States, Canada
• Petrol — United Kingdom, Ireland, India, Nigeria, South Africa, parts of Asia-Pacific
• Gasolina — Spain, Latin America (e.g., Mexico, Brazil), Portugal uses gasolina as well
• Benzin — Germany, Austria, much of Central/Eastern Europe (e.g., benzyna in Poland)
• Essence — France and parts of Francophone Africa
• Benzina — Italy; Benzine/benzină variants appear in some languages
• Mogas — Industry term for motor gasoline (to distinguish it from aviation gasoline, avgas)

While the labels differ, these terms all point to the same type of motor fuel for spark‑ignition engines. Always read the finer pump labels for octane and ethanol blend, which can vary by country.

Composition and grades

Gasoline/petrol is a blend of hydrocarbons with additives such as detergents and corrosion inhibitors. Two areas where regional practice differs are octane labeling and ethanol blending. These differences don’t change the fundamental equivalence of petrol and gasoline, but they do affect what’s suitable for your engine.

Octane rating systems

Octane measures a fuel’s resistance to knock. The United States and Canada post Anti‑Knock Index (AKI), the average of Research Octane Number (RON) and Motor Octane Number (MON). Most other countries post RON. Because RON reads higher than AKI for the same fuel, an 87 AKI “Regular” in the U.S. is roughly comparable to a 91–92 RON “Regular” elsewhere.

These typical equivalences help when you’re driving abroad and need to match your owner’s manual recommendation to local pump labels.

• 87 AKI (U.S./Canada “Regular”) ≈ 91–92 RON
• 89 AKI (U.S. “Midgrade”) ≈ 94–95 RON
• 91–93 AKI (U.S. “Premium/Super”) ≈ 96–99 RON
• Common European “95” is 95 RON (about U.S. 90–91 AKI)

Use the minimum octane your manufacturer specifies (or higher if required for turbocharged/performance engines). Using higher octane than required usually offers no benefit in standard engines.

Ethanol and blending standards

Many countries blend ethanol with gasoline to reduce emissions or reliance on oil. Labels like E10 or E15 indicate the percentage of ethanol by volume. Vehicle compatibility with higher ethanol blends varies by model and year, so it’s important to check your manual.

Here are common blends and rules in major markets as of 2025.

• United States: E10 is widespread nationwide; E15 is approved for model year 2001+ light‑duty vehicles. Year‑round E15 is permitted in several Midwest states starting in 2025, and temporary waivers have allowed broader summer sales in recent years. E85 (51–83% ethanol) is for flex‑fuel vehicles only.
• European Union/UK: E10 is standard for regular (95 RON) in most countries; higher‑octane “super” often remains E5. Always check a station’s E5/E10 label and your vehicle’s compatibility, especially for older models.
• Brazil: “Gasolina C” sold at pumps typically contains about 27% ethanol (E27). Flex‑fuel vehicles are common and can also use hydrated ethanol (E100).
• Australia and parts of Asia: E10 is widely available; labeling standards vary by country and state.

If your vehicle is not rated for higher ethanol blends, stick to E5/E10 as specified. Ethanol content can affect fuel economy and, in non‑compatible systems, components such as seals and fuel pumps.

What is not the same

While petrol and gasoline are effectively synonymous, several fuels at the forecourt are not the same and are not interchangeable with standard petrol/gasoline engines.

Watch for these look‑alikes to avoid misfuelling.

• Diesel: For compression‑ignition engines; will damage a gasoline engine and vice versa.
• Autogas/LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) and CNG (compressed natural gas): Gaseous fuels requiring dedicated or bi‑fuel systems.
• Aviation gasoline (avgas): Specialized high‑octane fuel (often 100LL, which still contains lead) for piston aircraft; not for cars. The aviation sector is transitioning toward unleaded avgas alternatives.
• Methanol blends and race fuels: For specialized or tuned engines only.

Pay close attention to nozzle colors and pump labels, which are not globally standardized. When in doubt, confirm the fuel type and octane with station staff.

Additives and regulations

Modern petrol/gasoline is “unleaded”—the global phase‑out of leaded motor gasoline was completed in 2021. Regulators set strict limits on sulfur (typically a 10 ppm cap in the U.S. Tier 3 and Euro 5/6 regimes), aromatics, and vapor pressure, and require detergents to keep injectors and intake valves clean. Brand‑specific additive packages can differ; “Top Tier” labeling in North America indicates higher detergent levels meeting an industry standard. Seasonal blends also change to control evaporative emissions and drivability in hot or cold weather.

Practical tips for travelers

If you’re renting a car abroad or driving across borders, a few quick checks can prevent misfuelling and ensure optimal performance.

1. Match octane correctly: Convert between AKI (U.S./Canada) and RON (elsewhere). Your manual’s octane requirement can be met with the local equivalent.
2. Check ethanol compatibility: Look for E5/E10/E15/E85 labels and follow your vehicle’s limits.
3. Confirm the fuel type: “Unleaded petrol/gasoline” for spark‑ignition engines; never use diesel unless the vehicle is diesel.
4. Read the filler cap and door sticker: Many vehicles state “Unleaded only” and note the minimum octane.
5. Don’t rely on nozzle color: Colors vary by brand and country; always read the pump handle and grade label.

Taking a moment to verify labels and grade saves time and potential repair costs, especially where terminology or labeling differs from what you’re used to.

Bottom line

“Gasoline” and “petrol” are two names for the same automotive fuel. Differences you’ll notice at the pump—octane number systems, ethanol percentages, additive marketing—reflect regional standards rather than a different underlying product. Use the correct octane and blend for your vehicle, and you’ll be fine whether the pump says petrol or gasoline.

Summary

Gasoline and petrol are the same spark‑ignition motor fuel; the terminology varies by region. What changes from country to country are posted octane numbers (AKI vs RON), ethanol blend levels (e.g., E10, E15), and additive packages. Diesel, LPG/CNG, and avgas are not the same and should not be used in petrol/gasoline engines. When traveling, read pump labels for fuel type, octane, and ethanol content to match your vehicle’s requirements.