What are the major products (or fractions) of petroleum refining? Give one use of each petroleum product.

The process of separating the various constituents or fractions of petroleum is known as refining. It is carried out in a petroleum refinery. The main products of petroleum refining are petroleum gas, petrol, diesel, lubricating oil, paraffin wax and kerosene. Following are the uses of petroleum products:

Petroleum gas is used as fuel for home and industry.


Petrol is used as a Motor fuel, aviation fuel and solvent for dry cleaning.


Diesel is used as a fuel for heavy motor vehicles and electric generators.


Lubricating oil is used as a lubricant.


Kerosene is used as a fuel for stoves, lamps and for jet aircrafts.


Paraffin wax is used in ointments, candles and Vaseline etc.


Bitumen Paints are used in road surfacing.


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