UPSC Prelims 2021·GS1·economy·economic sectors and development

With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements : 1. It is a product of oil refineries. 2. Some industries use it to generate power. 3. Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. A1 and 2 only
  2. B2 and 3 only
  3. C1 and 3 only
  4. D1, 2 and 3Correct

Explanation

Furnace oil, also known as fuel oil or heavy fuel oil, is a common industrial fuel. 1. It is a product of oil refineries: Furnace oil is a residual fuel obtained during the distillation of crude petroleum in oil refineries. It is one of the heaviest fractions that remain after lighter products like petrol, diesel, and kerosene have been extracted. This statement is correct. 2. Some industries use it to generate power: Due to its high calorific value, furnace oil is widely used as a fuel in various industrial applications, including power generation (e.g., in captive power plants or as a supplementary fuel in thermal power plants), in boilers, furnaces, and kilns across industries like cement, textiles, and ceramics. This statement is correct. 3. Its use causes sulphur emissions into the environment: Furnace oil, being a residual product, typically has a high sulphur content. When burnt, this sulphur reacts with oxygen to form sulphur dioxide (SO2), a major air pollutant. SO2 contributes to acid rain, respiratory issues, and smog. Environmental regulations often limit the sulphur content in furnace oil. This statement is correct. All three statements are correct regarding furnace oil.
economy: With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements : 1. It is a product of oil refineries. 2. Some industr

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