Oil, or petroleum, is primarily used as a fuel source and as a raw material for manufacturing various products.
Primary Uses of Oil
The main applications of oil can be summarized in the following categories:
- Transportation: Oil is refined into fuels like gasoline and diesel to propel vehicles, including cars, trucks, airplanes, and ships. This is one of the largest uses of oil globally.
- Heating: Many homes and buildings use oil-based fuels for heating, especially in colder regions.
- Electricity Generation: Oil is used to produce electricity in some power plants.
- Industrial Applications: The petrochemical industry uses oil as a "feedstock" to create a wide array of products. This includes:
- Plastics
- Polyurethane
- Solvents
- Numerous other intermediate and end-user goods
Breakdown of Oil Usage
The referenced information states that "we use petroleum products to propel vehicles, to heat buildings, and to produce electricity." Additionally, the petrochemical industry relies on oil for manufacturing products such as "plastics, polyurethane, solvents, and hundreds of other intermediate and end-user goods." This clearly illustrates the diverse and essential roles oil plays in modern society.
Table Summary
| Category | Use |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Fuel for vehicles (cars, trucks, airplanes, ships) |
| Heating | Fuel for heating buildings |
| Electricity | Fuel for generating electricity |
| Industrial | Raw material for producing plastics, polyurethane, solvents, and other goods |
