From heating oil for homes to fuel for vehicles, oil and its products have many uses, and the oil industry has evolved over the years to accommodate safer drilling and better production for the environment. Ike’s Fuel in Juneau, AK, shares a brief history of heating oil and the progress the industry has made over the years.

Oil drilling began many centuries ago, as far back as 4^th-century China, where oil was used for evaporating brine and for salt production, as well as for heating and light. Bamboo pipelines were connected to oil wells to extract the resource as early as the 10^th century.

Heating oil and fuel production as we know it today dates back to 1859, when Edwin Drake of Pennsylvania discovered oil, sparking the beginning of the petroleum industry. It wasn’t until the early 20^th century, though, that the need for oil, specifically refined oil, exploded with the invention of the internal combustion engine. With local wells drying up quickly, companies sought other resources to supply their demand, namely wells in Texas, Oklahoma, California, and internationally.

Heating oil became the leading fuel in the mid-1950s, but the 1970s shed light on the growing depletion of oil reserves. It was discovered oil was a limited resource and would soon run out if not drilled properly and carefully. The debate about how much oil is left is ongoing, as is the discussion about what drills do to the environment. In light of these issues, safety and eco-friendliness have become industry priorities. 

Ike’s Fuel is an independent, family-owned heating oil company based in Juneau. For almost 50 years, they have offered the best in heating oil and oil delivery as well as tank sales and service. To learn more about their services, call (907) 364-3420.