Petroleum is a particular type of fossil fuel utilized in powering vehicles. This has been widely used and offers individuals with lots of advantages. However, just like any other type of energy source, petroleum has also its own sets of disadvantages. Some of the common drawbacks of petroleum are cost, availability and environmental impact. The cost tends to fluctuate and this is somehow attributed to many different factors. Environmental impacts have also been a major concern in the production of petroleum.
It is true that petroleum has both disadvantages and advantages that individuals should be aware of. Information about these is helpful in determining the proper and practical usage of petroleum. The advantages and disadvantages of petroleum also serve as guide for individuals who are purchasing petroleum more often for varied purposes. The advantages and disadvantages of petroleum are listed below:
Advantages of Petroleum
1. Petroleum has a higher energy density. An average of one kilogram of burnt oil can give about 10,000 kilo calorie (kcal).
2. Technologies for petroleum have been well developed. Extracting oil from the ground can certainly be exploited in varied geological conditions.
3. The cost for extraction of petroleum is relatively low and this requires reduced physical and technical effort.
4. Since petroleum is on liquid state, this can be easily transported and stored. Managing petroleum is also said to be relatively easy.
5. Petroleum got broad application areas including transport, chemical and finishing with its widespread use as resource of energy used in power plants.
6. Another advantage of petroleum is that this is used as diesel fuel or gasoline to power all types of motors including trucks, buses and cars. This is also beneficial in terms of satisfying individuals’ need to quickly move from one location to the other.
7. Petroleum can move vehicles longer and faster as compared to other types of energy sources.
8. Petroleum is abundant and easy to use.
Disadvantages of Petroleum
1. Petroleum got limited resource and there is a possibility that petroleum sources will run out for the coming decades. Based on studies, almost half of oil reserves have been utilized and that is about 2 trillion barrels and only one trillion barrels are left. There might be some other sources of petroleum in the world but experts are afraid that these sources cannot produce enough oil or petroleum to sustain human needs.
2. Processing and extracting oil can contribute to pollution and environmental degradation.
3. Oil is said to be non-renewable resource, meaning once individuals consumed a portion of this, there will no replacement. In the long run, this may also cause depletion and this can no longer be regenerated once depleted.
4. Oil spill is another disadvantage linked to petroleum. If oil or petroleum spills, adverse effects in oceans and marine life can be expected.
Despite the many advantaged brought by petroleum, it still cannot be denied that this delivers unfavorable effects as well. Individuals need to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of petroleum and make these as reminders that petroleum needs to be utilize wisely.
