Some commodities command massive economic, social, and political influence. This title examines the business around oil, the fossil fuel that powers much of the modern world. It explores the oil industry's history, petroleum's many uses, and the ways in which companies are trying to boost efficiencies to make it a viable energy source for many years to come. Features include essential facts, a glossary, selected bibliography, websites, source notes, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards. Essential Library is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.