The fossil fuel that has had the most significant influence on human transportation over the last century is petroleum, commonly referred to as oil. The development and widespread use of gasoline, a refined product of crude oil, have been crucial in powering internal combustion engines in automobiles, trucks, airplanes, and ships.
The rise of the automobile industry in the early to mid-20th century revolutionized personal and commercial transportation, facilitated suburban expansion, and contributed to the globalization of trade and travel. Additionally, aviation, which relies heavily on jet fuel derived from petroleum, has transformed long-distance travel and global connectivity. Overall, the importance of oil in transportation has shaped modern societies and economies over the past hundred years.