Introduction to Petroleum

Importance

• Petroleum is the lifeblood of the world economy.
• Essential for modern technology and energy needs.

Definition

• Naturally occurring liquid ranging from yellowish to blackish.
• Found in geological formations beneath the Earth’s surface.
• Non-renewable fossil fuel; finite in supply.
• Other fossil fuels: natural gas and coal.

Types of Petroleum

• Light vs. Heavy
  • Light oil: Lower density, lower viscosity, flows easily at room temperature.
  • Heavy oil: Higher density, thicker, sludge-like at room temperature.
• Sweet vs. Sour
  • Sweet oil: Low sulfur content, requires less refining.
  • Sour oil: High sulfur content, requires more processing.

Refinement Process

• Refined and separated through distillation.
• Produces a range of consumer products.

Uses of Petroleum

• Primary Use: Fuels such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, jet fuel.
• Other Products:
  • Motor oil (lubricant).
  • Asphalt, pesticides, chemical reagents.
  • Pharmaceuticals, plastics, cosmetics.
  • Products like Vaseline, chapstick.

Petroleum in Energy

• 90% of vehicular fuel needs are met by petroleum.
• Used in planes, trains, automobiles.
• Integral to industrial chemicals production.

Energy Consumption

• Oil contributes significantly to global energy consumption.
  • Europe & Asia: 30-35%.
  • Middle East: 50-55%.
  • South & Central America: 40-45%.
  • Africa & North America: 40%.
• 40% of total US energy consumption.
• Global consumption: 90 million barrels/day.

Measurement

• 1 barrel = 42 US gallons or 159 liters.
• Equivalent to 3.78 billion gallons per day globally.

Geopolitical Impact

• Shapes world economy, cultures, politics, and possibly wars.
• Major producers and consumers influence global dynamics.
• Geographic distribution critical to understanding global issues.

Conclusion

• Petroleum is critical to human society and its understanding is essential to comprehending global economic and political landscapes.
• Will explore the geographic distribution and impact on the Middle East in subsequent discussions.