Automobiles run on gasoline, a relatively light fraction of crude oil .
Kerosene was used in lamps from the 1850s. In 1859 an American industrialist, G. H. Bissell began a deliberate search for oil. They chose a site in Pennsylvania, drilled through 70 feet of bedrock, and used the oil from the well for illuminating gas, lubricating oil, and an excellent lamp oil. John D. Rockefeller established Standard Oil in 1870. For a good explanation of refining see Modern Refining .