Crossword Genius

What drivers use dearest place to get contents of pump? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

petroleum

'what drivers use' is the definition.
(fuel for a car)

'dearest place to get contents of pump?' is the wordplay.
'dearest' becomes 'pet' (both are terms of endearment).
'place' becomes 'role' (both can mean a job or position).
'to get' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'contents of' says to take the centre (the letters on the inside of the word).
The middle of 'pump' is 'um'.
'pet'+'role'+'um'='PETROLEUM'

(Other definitions for petroleum that I've seen before include "Fossil fuel" , "Crude oil" , "Hydrocarbon oil" , "Source of fuel" , "Fuel oil" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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