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Combustible vs. carburante

Word practice demo
The Spanish words combustible and carburante both refer to fuel. However, they are used in slightly different contexts.

Combustible

B1
Combustible corresponds to the English fuel. It is a general term that refers to any material that can be made to react so as to release energy from it.
El petróleo es un tipo de combustible fósil.
(Oil is a type of fossil fuel.)
Para la barbacoa necesitaremos combustible para encender el fuego.
(For the barbecue, we will need fuel to start the fire.)
Este motor puede funcionar con varios tipos de combustible.
(This engine can work with various types of fuel.)

Carburante

B2
Carburante, similar to fuel in English, typically refers to a type of fuel specifically meant for running engines, like in cars or airplanes.
Necesito poner carburante en el coche antes del viaje.
(I need to put fuel in the car before the trip.)
El avión necesita más carburante para completar el vuelo.
(The airplane needs more fuel to complete the flight.)
Los precios de los carburantes han subido de nuevo.
(Fuel prices have gone up again.)

Summary

Combustible and carburante are both Spanish terms that translate into fuel. The term combustible refers broadly to any material that releases energy whereas carburante, whilst also meaning fuel, tends to be used in specific reference to engine fuel such as gasoline or diesel.