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Growth in oil and gas demand may not be dominated by cars

When we report on the world’s thirst for energy, we often miss something: chemicals made from oil and gas. A new report Friday finds petrochemical demand in the world is surging for things like synthetic rubber, packaging, fertilizer and detergents. In the long run, chemicals may be a bigger driver of world oil demand than […]

A petrochemical facility is shown after Hurricane Ike made landfall September 13, 2008 in Deer Park, Texas. 
A petrochemical facility is shown after Hurricane Ike made landfall September 13, 2008 in Deer Park, Texas. 
David J. Phillip-Pool/Getty Images

When we report on the world’s thirst for energy, we often miss something: chemicals made from oil and gas. A new report Friday finds petrochemical demand in the world is surging for things like synthetic rubber, packaging, fertilizer and detergents. In the long run, chemicals may be a bigger driver of world oil demand than even driving. 

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