There are three main types of fossil fuels – coal, petroleum, and natural gas – but they can be processed in many different ways to produce a wide range of products. Petroleum, also known as oil, can be refined into everyday fuels like gasoline. Coal-fired power plants use coal for electricity generation, while natural gas can be pumped right into your kitchen or stored in liquefied form. Propane, butane, and kerosene are also derived from fossil fuels, as are many common soaps, plastics, and even some food ingredients. Although we may think of fossil fuels as primarily a source of energy, the byproducts of crude oil and gas have found their way into many other areas of our lives.