National Petroleum Day

National Petroleum Day is dedicated to a unique, non-renewable natural resource that is a key part of people’s lives in the 21st century. While environmental concerns have led many to reject oil due to its contribution to air and water pollution, it is important to remember that oil is also involved in the production of many everyday items such as plastic, detergents, paints, fertilizers, film, cosmetics, and drugs. National Petroleum Day is a day of awareness, encouraging us to think about the wise use of oil and ways to conserve this valuable resource.

History

Oil in the United States was discovered by Edwin L. Drake on August 27, 1859. The field was located at a depth of 70 feet near the city of Titusville in Pennsylvania. Oil made this region rich and prosperous, and we celebrate National Petroleum Day on August 27 to commemorate the birth of the US oil industry. In the mid-19th century, Scottish chemist James Young learned how to distill petroleum to produce kerosene and engine oil. Today, 90% of cars worldwide use oil-based fuel, primarily gasoline. The largest oil producers are Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Russia, but large deposits have also been found in countries such as Venezuela and Canada.

Interesting Facts

• In 424 BC during the Peloponnesian War, in the battle of the city of Delium, the ancient Greeks from Boeotia used a flamethrower with an incendiary mixture against the Athenians. It consisted of crude oil, tar, and sulfur.
• Oil was used in ancient Babylon for construction, and sea vessels were sealed (caulked) with it.

How to Take Part

Celebrate National Petroleum Day in the following ways:

1. Throw an “oil party”: have each participant bring an oil-related product. This will remind you of the value of this energy resource.
2. Set up an experiment: try to live a single day without the use of petroleum products. Share the experiment on social media using the hashtag #NationalPetroleumDay.
3. Organize a discussion about the importance of oil in our lives and ways to use it wisely.

When is National Petroleum Day in 2024?

National Petroleum Day is observed on August 27 each year.

Observations