This application was so fundamental that it is referenced throughout historical texts and was a primary driver for early oil exploration long before the internal combustion engine was invented. The primary use for thousands of years was as a fuel for light.
The Future of Oil Demand in an Energy Transition
Oil is also a vital feedstock in the chemical industry. It serves as the primary building block for petrochemicals, which are used to produce plastics, synthetic rubber, fertilizers, and countless other materials.
The development of refined gasoline and diesel fuels enabled the automotive, aviation, and maritime industries. Powering the Modern World: Transportation and Industry The Transportation Revolution Perhaps the most visible legacy of oil is its role in powering the global transportation network.
The Future of Oil Demand in an Energy Transition
The most significant shift was from whale oil to kerosene, which was cheaper, brighter, and more efficient. As a result, the definition of what was oil used for is expanding to include discussions of sustainability and transition.
More About What was oil used for
Looking at What was oil used for from another angle can help expand the discussion and give readers a second clear paragraph under the same section.
More perspective on What was oil used for can make the topic easier to follow by connecting earlier points with a few simple takeaways.