Oil is an essential part of this increasingly motorized world. This liquid asset satisfies multiple requisites, including gas for vehicles, heat and lighting for the home, and smooth roads for safe driving. In fact, many international governments depend on oil production to bolster their economies.

This multi-purpose asset is in high demand, but where does it actually come from? The following infographic outlines the origins of oil and how it becomes that all-important fuel.

Where the Gas in Your Car Really Comes From