What percentage of a barrel of crude oil is typically converted to gasoline?

• A. 35-38%
• B. 45-47%
• C. 60-62%
• D. 70-72%

Answer: (B)

Gasoline yield is a major portion of what comes out of a crude barrel, but not all of it. In refining, crude oil is split into many products, and gasoline is the light, high-demand fraction that typically ends up being about 45 to 50 percent of the barrel on a crude basis. The commonly observed range is around 45–47 percent because refineries must allocate enough production for diesel, jet fuel, heavy fuels, asphalt, and petrochemical feeds as well. The exact amount depends on the crude type (light versus heavy) and the refinery’s processing setup; lighter crudes tend to produce more gasoline, while heavier crudes yield less gasoline and more heavier products. That’s why the 45–47 percent range is the best-fit answer.