Oil serves as a fuel, a lubricant, and a raw material for a wide range of products. Its by-products are used in chemical, pharmaceutical, textile and many other industries.
The importance of Oil in India can be seen in transportation, industrial power, light and heat, lubricant, petro-chemicals, and other uses.
- Importance of Oil in Transportation: Petrol (gasoline) and diesel oil are used to drive cars, buses, trucks etc. Aviation fuel is used by jet planes, heavy fuel by locomotives and steamships.
- Importance of oil in Industrial power generation: Oil is used to generate thermal electricity. Fuel oils and natural gas have largely replaced coal in the boilers and furnaces of factories.
- Importance of oil for Light and heat purpose: Oil is used for the central heating of homes and offices and paraffin (Kerosene) for lighting and cooking.
- Importance as a Lubricant: Vehicles, machinery and equipment’s need to be greased with lubricants to reduce friction.
- Importance of oil in Petro-chemicals: Petroleum by-products are used for making synthetic fibers, ink and drugs.
- Other uses: Asphalt, bitumen, pitch or tar are used for road making and roofing and paraffin and wax for making polishes and candles.