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?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• Furnace oil (fuel oil) is a heavy residual fraction obtained at the bottom of crude-oil distillation in refineries (statement 1).
• Industries such as textiles, ceramics, glass and captive power plants burn it in boilers and generators to produce heat and electricity (statement 2).
• It has high sulphur content (up to 3–4%), so burning it emits sulphur dioxide; Delhi-NCR banned furnace oil and pet coke for this reason in 2017 (statement 3).
• Hence 1, 2 and 3, option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Statement 3 on sulphur emissions is also correct.
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- Statement 1 is also correct: it is a refinery product.
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- Statement 2 is also correct: industries use it for power.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2021, held on 10 October 2021. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.