The gaseous mixture of lower hydrocarbons which occurs deep inside the earth either alone or covering the crude oil in an oilfield is called natural gas. Natural gas mainly (90%) consists of methane (CH4).

Natural gas is an ideal fuel because,

  1. It burns with a blue smokeless flame.
  2. It does not leave ash after burning.
  3. It has high calorific value

Natural gas is generally supplied directly from the gas well/oil well to the place of use through underground pipelines. A network of pipelines for supplying natural gas exists in Baroda (Gujarat).