noun
kerosene; white kerosene
Refers specifically to refined kerosene used as fuel for heaters, lamps, and sometimes as a solvent. Often contrasted with 灯油 (kerosene in general) or 赤灯油 (red kerosene for agricultural use).
寒いので、ストーブ用の白灯油を買いに行った。
Because it was cold, I went to buy white kerosene for the heater.
白灯油は赤灯油より精製度が高く、
White kerosene is more refined than red kerosene and is suitable for home heating.
赤灯油 is red kerosene, typically dyed for tax purposes and used in agriculture or industry; 白灯油 is the undyed, higher-grade fuel for home use.
Compound of 白 (white) + 灯油 (kerosene), referring to the clear, refined appearance of this grade of kerosene.