Correct Option
The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
Natural gas is a fossil fuel primarily composed of methane ($CH_4$). It is a vital energy resource used for heating, cooking, electricity generation, and as a raw material in various industrial processes. Its versatility allows it to be transported via pipelines or stored under pressure.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Natural gas is stored under high pressure as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). Compressing the gas reduces its volume significantly, making it suitable for storage in cylinders and use as a cleaner fuel for transport vehicles.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Natural gas can be used directly for burning in homes and factories. It is supplied through a network of pipelines, commonly referred to as Piped Natural Gas (PNG), which delivers fuel directly to household stoves and industrial burners without the need for storage cylinders.
- Statement 3 is Correct: Natural gas is used as a starting material (feedstock) for the manufacture of a wide range of chemicals and fertilizers. For instance, it is a primary source of hydrogen used in the production of ammonia ($NH_3$) for urea and other nitrogenous fertilizers.
Key Takeaway: Natural gas is a versatile hydrocarbon used as CNG for transport, PNG for domestic fuel, and as an industrial feedstock for producing fertilizers and chemicals.