Experts Refute Viral Claim: Oil Not Formed from Ancient Organisms

According to a fact-check published on 2025-10-11T18:24:41+00:00, a viral video making claims about the origins of oil has been debunked by experts. The video, shared on social media, incorrectly stated that oil is not actually a fossil fuel, contrary to the scientific consensus.

Petroleum oil is known to have formed from the remains of ancient marine organisms, such as plants and bacteria, over millions of years, as confirmed by the National Geographic Society. However, the misinformation video featured a proponent of the "abiotic oil" theory, who alleged that oil is formed through non-biological chemical processes, not from decomposed organic matter.

Fact-checkers have thoroughly refuted these claims, citing evidence that oil contains carbon isotopes and biomarkers similar to living organisms, proving its biogenic origin. Geologists have also found fossils at depths greater than the 16,000 feet claimed in the video, further debunking the misinformation.

The video also falsely claimed that the term "fossil fuel" was coined by oil magnate John D. Rockefeller to create a perception of scarcity. But records show the term has been used in reference to crude oil since the 1700s.

Despite these myths, the overwhelming scientific consensus remains that oil and other petroleum products are indeed derived from the decomposition of prehistoric organic matter, not from non-biological sources. As the world shifts toward clean energy, understanding the true origins of fossil fuels is crucial.