This study examined the effects of varying pyrolysis parameters, including final temperature, heating rate, particle size, and nitrogen flow rate, on the yields of terebinth as a source of bio-oil. The maximum bio-oil yield of 58.99 wt.% was almost equal to diesel fuel in terms of its major fuel properties (H/C = 1.73, 38.50 MJ/kg, 0.954 g/cm(3), and flash point of 59 degrees C). The GC MS and H-1-NMR analysis results showed that bio-oil predominantly comprised aliphatic hydrocarbons with high heating value and other valuable compounds with potential added value. The results show that the bio-oil can be used as a feedstock for the production of the diesel-like fuels or refined chemicals. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.