This book provides a systematic and comprehensive introduction to various aspects of production of petrochemicals. Beginning with an introduction to petrochemicals, the book discusses the raw materials scenario with special reference to India. While discussing the profile of Indian petroleum and petrochemicals industries, the book emphasises on recent advances in the production of basic raw materials, namely, olefins, aromatics, intermediates and finished products like polymers, elastomers, polyurethane, synthetic fibres, and so on. Issues of environmental management, corrosion and selection of materials of construction in the petrochemical industries have also been dealt with. It has been written in consultation with numerous leading engineers and technologists working in the petroleum, petrochemical and R&D centres in related areas.