We present a global dataset of CO(2) emissions and O(2) uptake associated with the combustion of different fossil fuel types. To derive spatial and temporal patterns of oxygen uptake, we combined high-resolution CO(2) emissions from the EDGAR (Emission Database for Global Atmospheric Research) inventory with country level information on oxidative ratios, based on fossil fuel consumption data from the UN energy statistics database. The results are hourly global maps with a spatial resolution of 1 degrees x 1 degrees for the years 1996-2008. The potential influence of spatial patterns and temporal trends in the resulting O(2)/CO(2) emission ratios on the atmospheric oxygen signal is examined for different stations in the global measurement network, using model simulations from the global TM3 and the regional REMO transport model. For the station Hateruma Island (Japan, 24 degrees 03' N, 123 degrees 48' E), the simulated results are also compared to observations. In addition, the possibility of signals caused by variations in fuel use to be mistaken for oceanic signals is investigated using a global APO inversion.