The oil
Oil is a liquid hydrocarbon from the decomposition of organic matter (animals and plankton). Oil is the most important energy source in the world and about half of the world's energy production depends on it.
The raw or crude origin is subjected to a distillation process, from which light parts are obtained (light oil, crude gasoline, naphtha), middle part (medium oil, petroleum, kerosene) heavy parts (lubricants and residues). These parts are subjected to a refining process in order to obtain essential raw materials in industrial processes.
The economic and political importance of oil is extraordinary, despite the fact that it is a non-renewable resource and close to depletion. The oil industry is the most important in the world, in Venezuela, for example, PDVSA reports more than 95% of the country's economic income, transportation depends almost entirely on the oil industry. Venezuela is the country with the largest proven oil reserves in the entire planet.
However, the oil crisis, due to issues related to oil prices, has boosted the exploration and exploitation of other resources, such as natural gas, which currently has replaced petroleum resources in domestic consumption.
Natural gas
Natural gas is a gaseous hydrocarbon that is becoming increasingly important as it is, at the same time, a source of energy and raw material. It may appear mixed under pressure with oil (it is called, then associated gas) or alone (non-associated gas). The largest reserves in the world are non-associated gas.
Natural gas has experienced, after the oil crisis of the 1970s, a remarkable expansion, both in production and consumption. The largest producers of natural gas are Russia and the United States (which is at the same time the largest consumer), followed by Canada, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
Natural gas is one of the rising sources of energy, but the existing reserves in the world are also limited. From the point of view of ecology, natural gas is one of the least polluting energy sources.
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