Naphtha (/ˈnæpθə/ or /ˈnæfθə/) is a flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture. Mixtures labelled naphtha have been produced from natural gas condensates, petroleum distillates, and the distillation of coal tar and peat. In different industries and regions naphtha may also be crude oil or refined products such as kerosene.

Where is naphtha found?

Shale naphtha is obtained by the distillation of oil produced from bituminous shale by destructive distillation. Petroleum naphtha is a name used primarily in the United States for petroleum distillate containing principally aliphatic hydrocarbons and boiling higher than gasoline and lower than kerosene.

Why is naphtha banned?

Why is naphtha banned? Talks are currently underway which could see the US ban supplies of naphtha, a key commodity that's used to transport Venezuelan crude. According to experts the ban could suffocate Venezuelan production and cripple the nation's oil industry.