A lighter fluid composition usable for starting barbecues and the like that comprises naturally occurring combustible materials, which is clean burning and results in low volatile organic compound (VOC) emission during combustion, which is biodegradable and easily disposable, and which burns with a pleasant aroma and does not impart any unpleasant hydrocarbon odor or flavor to food cooked on a barbecue. The composition preferably comprises between approximately 0.5 weight percent and approximately 90 weight percent of a terpene or terpenoid oil, and between approximately 0.5 weight percent and approximately 98.5 weight percent of short chain alcohol, between approximately 0.5 weight percent and approximately 60 weight percent of water, between approximately 0.1 weight percent and approximately 10 weight percent of surfactant, and between approximately 0.5 weight percent and approximately 10 weight percent of thickening agent. The preferred terpene preferably comprises d-limonene or a citrus derived oil containing d-limonene such as cold-pressed orange oil. The preferred alcohols are methanol and ethanol. The preferred surfactant is a non-ionic detergent or detergents, and the preferred thickener is a pH controllable slightly cross-linked polyacrylic acid material.