How are hydrocarbons useful to the general public and governments?

Question

How are hydrocarbons useful to the general public and governments?

Answer 1

They provide energy.

Answer 2

Used to make fuels, plastics (and virtually all synthetics), fertilizer, lubricants, medicines, etc. Our global society is based on hydrocarbons and water.

Answer 3

Hydrocarbons are the basis of most fuels for heating and transportation, they are important in the manufacture of many synthetic materials, construction materials (asphalt) and possible most importantly, the basis for the energy in our own bodies, as sugars and starches are important hydrocarbons.