Mercedes Mullins
The US is a large consumer of car fuel, with gasoline being the most popular transportation fuel. In 2023, the US consumed an average of about 8.94 million barrels of finished motor gasoline per day, or about 376 million gallons. This figure has decreased slightly since 2015, when Americans consumed 140.43 billion gallons of gasoline in total, or about 384.74 million gallons per day. The two main factors that affect the average annual fuel use of a vehicle are the average miles travelled per year and the fuel economy of the vehicle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average gallons of car fuel consumed per person in the US | 656 |
| Total gallons of car fuel consumed in the US in 2015 | 140.43 billion |
| Total gallons of car fuel consumed per day in the US in 2015 | 384.74 million |
| Total gallons of car fuel consumed per day in the US in 2018 | 392 million |
| Total gallons of car fuel consumed per day in the US in 2022 | 368.63 million |
| Total gallons of car fuel consumed per day in the US in 2023 | 376 million |
| Vehicle type that consumes the most fuel | Class 8 trucks |
| Vehicle type that consumes the second-most fuel | Refuse trucks |
| Vehicle type that consumes the third-most fuel | Transit buses |
| Vehicle type that consumes the least fuel | Demand response, delivery trucks, and school buses |
| Most consumed type of car fuel in the US | Motor gasoline |
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What You'll Learn
Gasoline is the most popular transportation fuel in the US
Motor gasoline is one of the most consumed fuels in the United States and the main product that US oil refineries produce. Most of the finished motor gasoline sold for vehicles in the United States is about 10% fuel ethanol by volume. In 2022, total gasoline consumption, based on energy content, accounted for about 57% of total energy consumption in the transportation sector and 16% of total US energy consumption.
Light-duty vehicles (cars, sport utility vehicles, and small trucks) account for about 91% of all gasoline consumption in the United States. The average American driver consumes 656 gallons of gasoline per year. The two main factors affecting the average annual fuel use of a vehicle are the average miles travelled per year and the fuel economy of the vehicle.
To reduce gasoline consumption, individuals can opt for fuel-efficient vehicles, such as hybrids or electric vehicles. Additionally, routine vehicle maintenance, such as replacing clogged air filters and maintaining proper tire inflation, can improve fuel efficiency. Driving habits, such as speeding and frequent braking, can also impact fuel consumption.
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Gasoline consumption is affected by miles travelled and fuel economy
The average American driver consumes a lot of gasoline each year. In 2015, Americans consumed 140.43 billion gallons of gasoline, or about 384.74 million gallons per day. In 2022, Americans used about 135.73 billion gallons of gasoline, including 134.55 billion gallons of finished motor gasoline (about 368.63 million gallons per day) and about 0.19 billion gallons of finished aviation gasoline. In 2023, U.S. finished motor gasoline consumption averaged about 8.94 million barrels per day or about 376 million gallons per day.
The fuel economy of a vehicle is influenced by various factors such as the type of vehicle, engine size, weight, and driving habits. For instance, Class 8 trucks, which typically travel long distances carrying heavy loads, consume more fuel on average than any other vehicle type. Refuse trucks and transit buses are also fuel-inefficient due to their heavy loads and stop-and-go drive cycles. On the other hand, demand response, delivery trucks, and school buses have higher fuel economy, resulting in reduced annual fuel use.
To improve fuel economy and reduce gasoline consumption, individuals can consider buying a more fuel-efficient vehicle, such as a hybrid or an electric vehicle (EV). Additionally, routine maintenance of vehicles is crucial for optimal fuel economy. For example, replacing a clogged air filter and ensuring proper tire inflation can significantly impact fuel efficiency. Driving habits, such as speeding, driving with windows down at high speeds, and constant braking, can also affect fuel economy.
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Gasoline demand is driven by more drivers on the road
The number of drivers on the road is a significant factor influencing gasoline demand in the United States. In 2014, there were approximately 214 million licensed drivers in the country, representing a notable increase from 210 million in 2010. This rise in the number of drivers contributes to the high demand for gasoline, as a greater number of vehicles are on the road, resulting in increased fuel consumption.
The average American driver consumed around 656 gallons of gasoline per year, according to data from 2015. This substantial per-capita consumption underscores the impact of a growing number of drivers on gasoline demand. Moreover, the average miles travelled per year is a critical factor influencing annual fuel usage. As more drivers hit the roads, the cumulative mileage covered by vehicles increases, driving up gasoline demand.
The type of vehicle and its fuel economy also play a role in gasoline demand. Class 8 trucks, which travel long distances with heavy loads, have the highest fuel consumption among vehicle types. In contrast, vehicles like demand response trucks, delivery trucks, and school buses exhibit higher fuel economy, resulting in reduced fuel usage per vehicle. The choice of personal vehicles and their fuel efficiency can significantly impact overall gasoline demand.
To manage gasoline demand, individuals can adopt several strategies. Firstly, routine car maintenance is essential to ensure optimal fuel economy. Simple measures like replacing clogged air filters, maintaining proper tyre inflation, and using cruise control can significantly improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, driving habits, such as speeding, driving with windows down at high speeds, and frequent braking, can impact fuel mileage. By being mindful of these habits and opting for fuel-efficient or electric vehicles, individuals can contribute to curbing gasoline demand.
In summary, the rising number of drivers on US roads significantly influences gasoline demand. With more licensed drivers and an increase in average miles travelled, the demand for gasoline has surged. However, improvements in vehicle fleet fuel economy and the emergence of alternative fuel options have helped temper this demand to some extent. To effectively manage gasoline consumption, individuals can take proactive steps to enhance fuel efficiency and explore more sustainable transportation choices.
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Gasoline is the main product of US oil refineries
The US transportation sector relies heavily on gasoline, and in 2022, it accounted for about 57% of the sector's total energy consumption. Light-duty vehicles, including cars, sport utility vehicles, and small trucks, make up the majority of gasoline consumption, contributing to about 91% of the total. The average American driver used around 656 gallons of gasoline per year, with an average price of $2.15 per gallon, resulting in an annual expense of approximately $1,400 for fuel.
Factors such as the average miles travelled and the fuel economy of the vehicle impact the amount of gasoline consumed. Class 8 trucks, refuse trucks, and transit buses are some of the least fuel-efficient vehicles due to their heavy loads and drive cycles. On the other hand, demand response vehicles, delivery trucks, and school buses have higher fuel economy, reducing their fuel consumption.
To optimize fuel efficiency, routine vehicle maintenance is essential. For example, a clogged air filter can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 20%, while underinflated tires can decrease it by 3-5%. Driving habits, such as speeding and frequent braking, can also impact fuel consumption. Additionally, removing unnecessary weight, using cruise control, and ensuring a tight gas cap can help reduce gasoline usage.
With rising gas prices, consumers are encouraged to consider more fuel-efficient vehicles, including hybrids and electric cars. These options not only reduce gasoline consumption but also provide long-term cost savings.
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Gasoline prices are expected to rise
In 2022, Americans used about 135.73 billion gallons of gasoline, including 134.55 billion gallons of finished motor gasoline, which is the main product of US oil refineries. This equates to about 368.63 million gallons per day, with a record high of 392 million gallons per day in 2018. Gasoline is the most popular transportation fuel in the US, and while consumption has remained constant, car sales have decreased since 2014.
In 2023, US finished motor gasoline consumption averaged about 8.94 million barrels per day, or about 376 million gallons per day. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts that in 2025, gasoline prices will decrease by 11 cents per gallon compared to 2024, and in 2026, they will decrease by a further 18 cents per gallon. This is due to lower crude oil prices and decreasing gasoline consumption as a result of increasing fleetwide fuel economy and vehicle fleet efficiency.
However, the EIA also forecasts a small increase in US gasoline consumption in 2025, along with increased net imports to offset the expected reduction in refinery production due to the closure of LyondellBasell's Houston refinery. This will result in wider crack spreads (the difference between wholesale gasoline prices and crude oil prices) in 2025 compared to 2024.
Regionally, gasoline prices are expected to increase on the US West Coast in 2026 due to limited increases in consumption and reduced regional production caused by the Phillips 66 refinery closure. Prices in the Rocky Mountains will also remain flat in 2025 due to increasing consumption and limited infrastructure to increase supply.
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Frequently asked questions
The US consumed about 135.73 billion gallons of gasoline in 2022, including 134.55 billion gallons of finished motor gasoline and about 0.19 billion gallons of finished aviation gasoline.
In 2022, the US consumed about 368.63 million gallons of motor gasoline per day. In 2023, this figure rose to 376 million gallons per day.
Motor gasoline is the most consumed car fuel in the US.
The average miles travelled per year and the fuel economy of the vehicle.
Class 8 trucks, which travel long distances carrying heavy loads, consume the most fuel.
