Which of the following fractions is used as raw material for the cracking process?

Correct answer: Diesel oils

Explanation: Cracking uses heavy, long-chain fractions (typically gas oil/diesel range) to produce lighter fuels like petrol and alkenes. Diesel (gas oil) is the standard FCC/thermal cracking feed.

• Kerosene — Lighter fraction; usually used directly as fuel, not the main cracking feed.
• Lubricating oil — Very heavy and formulated for lubrication; not the usual cracking feedstock.
• Bitumen — Bottom residue used for road surfacing; not typically cracked in standard units (often visbroken/coked instead).
• Diesel oils — Correct. Typical “gas oil” feed for cracking.