Fossil fuels

Bhoomi asks why different vehicles go to different filling stations. Surya explains: they use different fuels. Petrol and diesel are the two most widely used fuels for vehicles, and scooters and bikes usually run on petrol.

Petrol, diesel and kerosene all come from petroleum. Petroleum, natural gas and coal are called fossil fuels. They formed from the remains of microorganisms and plants that were buried deep inside the earth and slowly changed over millions of years.

Uses:

• Natural gas is used for cooking and for making electricity. As Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) it is a vehicle fuel that is cleaner than petrol or diesel.
• Coal is mainly used to produce electricity.

Two problems:

• Fossil fuels exist in limited amounts, so we will run out if we keep using them as we do now.
• Burning them gives out smoke and carbon dioxide, which pollute the air.

We can help by walking or cycling to nearby places and using public transport. Back in the city, Bhoomi and Surya smell smoke from vehicles, and Amma tells them that electric vehicles do not release any smoke.