A fission yeast isolated from palm‐wine was found capable of degrading hydrocarbons in kerosene and diesel. Confirmatory evidence was derived from gas chromatographic analysis. Degradation was enhanced by pre‐adaptation to the hydrocarbons. Growth yield data indicated that the yeast utilized diesel, kerosene and methanol as sole carbon and energy sources for growth and that diesel produced better yield than glucose on a carbon content basis. The hydrocarbon degradative capability and the ability to utilize kerosene, diesel and methanol as growth substrates by the isolate suggest its potential application in oil spill clean‐up as well as in single cell protein production using hydrocarbon feedstocks.
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