Petroleum is a dark oily liquid with unpleasant smell that does not burn, but still called a fuel, because :

Foundation

Chemistry Foundation

Coal Petroleum and Polymers

Question

it is insoluble in water and floats on it.

it is made from dead remains of marine plants.

it is refined to get different constituents with excellent calorific values.

of its colour and appearance.

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Petroleum is called a fuel not in its crude form, but because it is refined into valuable products. The refining process (fractional distillation) separates it into constituents like petrol, diesel, and kerosene. These separated fractions are highly flammable and have excellent calorific values, making them efficient fuels for various applications.

Final Answer: it is refined to get different constituents with excellent calorific values.