Oil is a fossil fuel that is refined into petroleum products that people use for many different purposes. Here are some of the most common uses of oil:
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Transportation: Most Canadian oil is used for transportation fuels, such as gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuels. Gasoline is designed for internal combustion engines and is commonly used in private and commercial vehicles. Oil is also used as fuel for heating and electricity, and many homes and businesses use oil-powered furnaces or use different technologies to convert oil into electricity to power lights and appliances.
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Plastics: Petroleum products are used to make various plastics, synthetic materials, and chemical products. Many fibers are petroleum-based and give us materials like spandex, polyester, nylon, and even vegan leather. Petrochemicals used in these materials are what let our clothing and accessories be lightweight and water-resistant.
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Industrial sector: The petrochemical industry uses petroleum as a raw material (a feedstock) to make products such as plastics, polyurethane, solvents, and hundreds of other intermediate and end-user goods.
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Toiletries and beauty products: Oil finds its way into beauty products and toiletries in the form of ingredients like propylene glycol and crylates. Youll find that soap, lotion, toothpaste, and many other personal care products are derived from petroleum.
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Heating and electricity: Heating oil, also called fuel oil, is used for heating homes and buildings in boilers and furnaces, for industrial heating, and for producing electricity in power plants.
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Roads and infrastructure: Asphalt and road oil are made from petroleum and are used to build and maintain roads, highways, and other infrastructure.
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Other uses: Oil is also used in ink, heart valves, crayons, parachutes, telephones, antiseptics, deodorant, pantyhose, and many other common household items.
In summary, oil is used for a wide range of purposes, including transportation, plastics, industrial production, toiletries, heating and electricity, roads and infrastructure, and many other common household items.
