What Products Are Made from Crude Oil?

[0:00]Who knew crude oil can be refined into so many useful things? First, it's processed in a high temperature distillation tower from the top to the bottom. Different substances are separated based on their boiling points. The lightest petroleum gas is the first to be extracted. It's compressed and put into steel cylinders. That's the fuel we use for cooking at home. Next up is gasoline. It only makes up about 20% of crude oil. Yet, it's what powers almost all modern transportation. Right after that comes naphtha, the unsung hero that's everywhere around us. It's the core ingredient for making plastics. Then there's kerosene. It has a higher boiling point and great stability. Making it the perfect fuel for airplanes. Below that is diesel fuel, the lifeblood of heavy industry. It accounts for more than 30% of crude oil. Packs a powerful punch and is commonly used in tractors. Next is heavy fuel oil, which has an extremely high energy density and is very affordable. It's the go-to fuel for ocean going ships. And what's left at the very end is asphalt. Most often used to pave roads and highways.