Petroleum

Petroleum is a naturally occurring, flammable liquid found beneath the Earth’s surface, composed mainly of hydrocarbons and other organic materials. It is a vital energy resource, used for fuel, lubrication, and as a raw material in various chemical processes.

Examples of petroleum products include:

• Gasoline – used as fuel for vehicles.
• Diesel – used in heavy machinery and some vehicles.
• Jet fuel – used in aircraft.
• Heating oil – used for residential heating.
• Asphalt – used in road construction and roofing.

Cases of petroleum use and impact include:

• The Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, which highlighted environmental risks.
• The role of OPEC in regulating oil production and prices globally.
• Innovations in fracking technology that have increased U.S. oil production.