As per national industrial classification, the chemical industry
encompasses more than 80000 products and basic chemicals,
petrochemicals, fertilizers, paints, soaps, perfumes, gases, and
other commercial products. The products are broadly classified
as (a) basic chemicals, which are in turn processed and
converted to (b) downstream chemicals that find use in
industrial and agricultural applications (dyes, fertilizers,
adhesives) or (c) direct consumer market chemicals (cosmetics,
pharmaceuticals, paints, etc.). Petrochemicals are derived from
various chemical compounds, mainly hydrocarbons obtained from
oil and natural gas. These include synthetic fibres, polymers,
elastomers, synthetic detergents, plastics, olefins and
aromatics, and find use in daily need items ranging from
clothing, furniture, construction, agriculture to medical
appliances. The chemical industry contributes significantly to
the economic stability and development of a country. It provides
key linkages in terms of products and technical so