Kerosene Failed to Save Sperm Whales from Relentless Hunting

Despite the advent of kerosene for lighting, the relentless hunting of sperm whales for their oil persisted well into the 20th century, driven by demand for lubricants and other uses, until government bans and synthetic alternatives finally curbed the exploitation.

• Kerosene did not save the sperm whale from exploitation, as whale oil continued to be used extensively for lubricants and other purposes after the rise of kerosene for lighting.
• The number of sperm whales killed increased dramatically in the 20th century, long after kerosene replaced whale oil for lighting.
• Government bans on whaling and the development of synthetic alternatives like jojoba oil, not kerosene, ultimately led to a decline in sperm whale hunting in recent decades.