Topics
CISCE: Class 10
Key Points: Conventional Sources of Energy > Petroleum or Mineral Oil
- Petroleum (rock oil) is a fossil fuel made of hydrocarbons, found in sedimentary rocks. It is called “liquid gold” because every part of crude oil is useful.
- Petroleum products include petrol, diesel, kerosene, LPG, lubricating oil, paraffin wax, tar and bitumen, obtained after refining crude oil.
- It is widely used as fuel for transport, power generation, and as a raw material for petrochemical industries (plastics, synthetic fibres, rubber, paints, cosmetics).
- Major oilfields of India are Mumbai High (largest offshore field), Assam (Digboi – oldest), Gujarat (Ankleshwar, Kalol) and Krishna–Godavari basin.
- Petroleum has high calorific value and easy transport, but it is non-renewable, polluting, costly and causes oil spills and global warming.
