Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Crude petroleum fractions contain acidic impurities such as hydrogen sulphide, thiols and naphthenic acids.
Step 2: How they are removed
Washing the fractions with aqueous sodium hydroxide (caustic washing) converts these acids into water-soluble sodium salts, which are then separated.
Step 3: Result
So sodium hydroxide is used in petroleum refining. It is also used in making soap, paper and rayon.
Final Answer:
Sodium hydroxide is used in petrol refining, which is option (D).
\[ \boxed{\text{(D) }\text{Sodium hydroxide}} \]