Crude oil is a naturally occurring fossil fuel formed from ancient marine organisms, primarily used as the world's most important energy source and raw material for countless industrial products.
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Formation & Composition
Crude oil originates from decomposed organic matter (plankton, algae) buried under sedimentary rock layers over millions of years. Heat and pressure transform it into hydrocarbons—a mix of carbon, hydrogen, and traces of sulfur, nitrogen, and metals. -
Extraction & Types
Extracted via drilling (onshore/offshore), crude oil varies by density (light/heavy) and sulfur content (sweet/sour). Light, sweet crude (e.g., Brent) is easier to refine into gasoline. -
Global Importance
Over 60% of global energy relies on petroleum products like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. It’s also vital for plastics, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals. -
Economic & Environmental Impact
Oil prices influence economies, but extraction and combustion contribute to pollution, spills, and climate change, driving shifts toward renewables.
As a finite resource, crude oil remains pivotal to modern life, though sustainable alternatives are increasingly critical for the future.