One of the opinions regarding the origin of subterranean oil deposits is that it is a product of biological matter that was subjected to extremely high pressure. Over time, this became oil that is now used for heat and light.

From this we should contemplate the fact that physical objects cannot sustain themselves and have no independent life or existence without an outside force. When a person reflects on his own self, he sees that his life-force comes from his soul. G‑d connects the soul to the body in order to “apply pressure” to our material desires,i.e., to harness them and prevent them from becoming dominant over our spiritual interests. When the proper pressure has been applied to the body by the soul, the body itself (which has no independent vitality), is transformed into an energy source, warming and illuminating its environment. The implications are obvious.

Igros Kodesh, Vol. 7, p. 131