Manufacture of refined petroleum products and fossil fuel products

NACE code 19.20 covers the manufacture of refined petroleum products, a critical industry that plays a vital role in the global economy. This sector is responsible for transforming crude oil and other feedstocks into a wide range of essential fuels, lubricants, and petrochemical products that power industries, transportation, and modern life. As a key component of the energy supply chain, the manufacture of refined petroleum products is a strategically important industry that significantly impacts economic development and growth worldwide.

The manufacture of refined petroleum products involves a complex series of processes, primarily centered around the refining of crude oil. The main production techniques include distillation, cracking, reforming, and blending. Crude oil is first separated into its various components through distillation, then further processed through catalytic cracking and reforming to produce high-value fuels, lubricants, and petrochemical feedstocks. The final products are then blended to meet specific quality and performance standards.

The manufacture of refined petroleum products relies on several key inputs, the most significant of which is crude oil. Other important inputs include natural gas liquids, catalysts, hydrogen, and various chemical additives. Specialized equipment, such as distillation towers, catalytic crackers, and blending facilities, are also essential for the production process. Additionally, this industry requires significant energy inputs, primarily in the form of electricity and natural gas, to power the various refining and processing operations.

The primary outputs of the refined petroleum products industry include gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, kerosene, lubricating oils, and a range of petrochemical feedstocks. These products are then consumed by a variety of other NACE codes, including 49.20 Land transport and transport via pipelines, 51.10 Air transport, 20.14 Manufacture of other organic basic chemicals, and 20.16 Manufacture of plastics in primary forms, among others. The refined petroleum products industry is a critical supplier to many downstream industries, enabling the production of a wide array of essential goods and services.