The world as we know it depends enormously on hydrocarbons! The hydrocarbons sector refines and distributes oil and gas extracted from the earth or beneath the sea. Primarily this involves the refining of oil to produce lubricants, oils, kerosene, petrol, and various gasses, however the sector is also beginning to use natural gas (methane) extracted from coal seams.

Australia exports high quality lubricants and aviation fuel to the rest of the world and also produces liquid petroleum gas, petrol, kerosene and diesel. Refined oil also serves as a petroleum feedstock for the production of industrial plastics, plastic household products, synthetic rubber, packaging materials, fabrics, dyes, adhesives and paint.

The industry generates a large number of jobs, both directly and indirectly. You could for instance work in preliminary processing on an off-shore platform or maintain a gas pipeline, operating machinery and inspecting the pipeline and pumping stations. Or, you might work in an export company, organising the best way to move product safely and efficiently.