petroleum

But such claims are misleading, according to experts such as David DiCarlo, an associate professor in the University of Texas at Austin’s petroleum engineering school.

In the midst of a mass – or "smack" – of Pacific sea nettles, Mr Pace coated any skin not covered by his wetsuit with petroleum jelly to protect himself from stings.

The federal petroleum ministry has described these concerns as "largely unfounded".

You should not put petroleum jelly or ice on sunburned skin.

For its part, the US imports gas and petroleum, iron, and coffee from Brazil.