Natural gas, consisting
of hydrocarbons, is found mostly near an oil reserve. Like petroleum, natural
gas also requires refining. Heavy hydrocarbons like butane and propane are extracted
and the raw natural gas is turned into "dry gas." The "dry gas" is the fuel;
the butane and propane are used in chemical industries.1
Unlike other fossil fuels, natural gas is very clean and it does not produce
harmful pollutants. However, the supply of natural gas is quite limited. According
to the World Energy Council, there were only 420 Gtoe worldwide in 1993.2
Likewise, natural gas is also difficult to transport and store due to its gaseous
state. Nevertheless, natural gas is about 30% more economical than other fossil
fuels.