The total energy used includes all the energy used in those "byproducts and equipment", so I don't understand your argument. What, you think the natural gas th

The total energy used includes all the energy used in those "byproducts and equipment", so I don't understand your argument. What, you think the natural gas that goes into plastic production isn't being counted? A significant overcount would be confusing primary energy with work. A joule of electrical energy can replace more than a joule of primary energy.