Mercedes Mullins
The United States is one of the world's largest consumers of energy. In 2023, the total primary energy consumption in the US was about 94 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu). Fossil fuels—petroleum, natural gas, and coal—accounted for approximately 84% of total US primary energy production in 2023. Motor gasoline is one of the most consumed fuels in the US, with Texas and California accounting for the largest shares of total consumption. In 2022, Americans consumed about 135.73 billion gallons of gasoline, including 134.55 billion gallons of finished motor gasoline and about 0.19 billion gallons of finished aviation gasoline. This contributed to 2.8% of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total U.S. primary energy consumption in 2023 | 94 quadrillion Btu |
| U.S. primary energy consumption by sector in 2023 | 93.59 quads |
| U.S. fossil fuel consumption in 2023 | 84% of total primary energy production |
| U.S. petroleum consumption in 2023 | 38% of total energy consumption (35 quads) |
| U.S. gasoline consumption in 2022 | 135.73 billion gallons |
| U.S. gasoline consumption in 2023 | 376 million gallons per day |
| U.S. diesel fuel consumption in November 2024 | 3.59 million barrels per day |
| U.S. gasoline consumption by "Gasoline Superusers" | 40 billion gallons out of 115 billion gallons used by all U.S. private light-duty vehicles |
| U.S. gasoline and diesel use in the transportation sector in 2022 | 1,476 million metric tons of CO2 emissions |
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What You'll Learn
Gasoline consumption in 2022: 135.73 billion gallons
Gasoline consumption in the US has historically been dominated by Texas and California, which together account for the largest share of total motor gasoline consumption. In 2022, Americans used about 135.73 billion gallons of gasoline, including 134.55 billion gallons of finished motor gasoline and 0.19 billion gallons of finished aviation gasoline. This amounts to approximately 368.63 million gallons per day of finished motor gasoline, which is used in cars, sport utility vehicles, light trucks, and motorcycles.
Motor gasoline is one of the most consumed fuels in the United States and is the main product of US oil refineries. The high consumption of motor gasoline is reflected in the fact that light-duty vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and small trucks, account for about 91% of all gasoline consumption in the country. The total gasoline consumption in 2022, based on energy content, represented about 57% of the total energy consumption in the transportation sector and 16% of the US's total energy consumption. In terms of volume, it accounted for 45% of total petroleum consumption.
While the US has reported a decrease in domestic motor gasoline refinery production in recent years, the gasoline market has thrived, with gasoline sales across various stations in the country totaling 654 billion US dollars in 2023. The average consumption of diesel fuel, another important fuel in the US, stood at 3.59 million barrels per day in November 2024.
The US transportation sector's gasoline and diesel use have significant environmental implications. In 2022, this sector's fuel consumption resulted in the release of roughly 1,476 million metric tons of CO2, contributing to about 30% of the country's energy-related carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, US gasoline consumption alone contributed to 2.8% of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels.
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Gasoline superusers: 35% of all gasoline
Gasoline superusers, who make up about 21 million Americans, are defined as those who use at least 1200 gallons of gasoline per year, more than twice the national average. These superusers collectively consume 35% of all gasoline used by US private light-duty vehicles, which amounts to about 40 billion gallons out of the 115 billion gallons used by these vehicles annually. This is significantly more than the bottom 72% of drivers combined.
The gasoline superusers tend to be drivers living in rural areas, with states like Mississippi, Maine, West Virginia, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota having high concentrations of superusers. This is due to the longer travel distances and limited access to public transportation in these areas. Additionally, superusers are more likely to drive larger, fuel-inefficient vehicles such as SUVs and pickup trucks, which contribute to their higher gasoline consumption.
The financial burden of gasoline consumption is significant for superusers, who spend on average 10.2% of their household income on gasoline, compared to 3.5% for non-superusers. This difference is even more pronounced at lower income levels, with superusers making less than $25,000 per year spending 41.3% of their income on gasoline. The high cost of gasoline has led to calls for a transition to electric vehicles (EVs), which could result in substantial savings for superusers, particularly those from Hispanic and Black communities.
The Gasoline Superusers report highlights the importance of using detailed gasoline consumption data to guide policies and accelerate the shift towards cleaner vehicles. By understanding the specific vehicle models and demographics of superusers, governments can establish targeted EV policies and data-driven programs to reduce gasoline consumption and its associated environmental impact.
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Gasoline prices in 2023: $1.40 per gallon
Assuming gasoline prices in the US were $1.40 per gallon in 2023, this would represent a significant decrease from previous years. For context, the US retail price for regular-grade gasoline averaged $3.52 per gallon in 2023, down from $3.95 in 2022 and a peak of $5.01 in June 2022.
The price of gasoline in the US is influenced by various factors, including crude oil prices, inventory levels, refinery production, and regional supply and demand conditions. In 2023, lower gasoline prices reflected lower crude oil prices compared to 2022. Additionally, higher gasoline inventories in the second half of 2023 contributed to the decline in prices.
Regional variations exist within the US, with prices influenced by local supply and demand dynamics, state fuel specifications, and taxes. For example, in 2023, gasoline prices ranged from a low of $3.09 per gallon on the US Gulf Coast to a high of $4.51 on the West Coast. Texas and California have historically accounted for the largest shares of total motor gasoline consumption in the US.
Gasoline consumption in the US is substantial, with motor gasoline being one of the most consumed fuels in the country. In 2022, Americans used about 135.73 billion gallons of gasoline, including 134.55 billion gallons of finished motor gasoline and 0.19 billion gallons of finished aviation gasoline. This equates to approximately 368.63 million gallons of motor gasoline per day. In 2023, the average daily consumption of finished motor gasoline was slightly lower at 376 million gallons per day.
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Diesel consumption in 2024: 3.59 million barrels per day
The United States has long been dominated by fossil fuels in its energy mix. While petroleum consumption in the US peaked in the 1970s, it still accounted for about 38% of total US energy consumption in 2023. In 2022, Americans used about 135.73 billion gallons of gasoline, with motor gasoline being one of the most consumed fuels in the country.
In 2024, the US monthly gasoline consumption reached its highest four-week average in July. Despite a decrease in domestic motor gasoline refinery production, the gasoline market thrived, with gasoline sales across various stations in the country totalling 654 billion US dollars in 2023.
Diesel is derived from crude oil, but the refining process is less extensive than that of gasoline, resulting in a slower burn. This makes diesel more fuel-efficient and more favourable for heavy-duty vehicles. The transportation sector in the US consumed about 115 billion gallons of diesel and gasoline in 2022, contributing to about 30% of the country's energy-related carbon dioxide emissions.
Diesel consumption in the US is expected to continue, with diesel's advantages in fuel efficiency making it a popular choice for heavy-duty vehicles. However, with the country's focus on reducing gasoline use, it remains to be seen if diesel consumption will be impacted by future policies and programs.
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Fossil fuels: 84% of total US energy production in 2023
Fossil fuels have dominated the United States' energy mix for over a century, and in 2023, they accounted for approximately 84% of the country's total primary energy production. This figure includes the use of petroleum, natural gas, and coal. While the energy mix has evolved over time, fossil fuels continue to play a significant role in meeting the country's energy needs.
In 2023, the total US primary energy consumption was about 94 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu). The British thermal unit (Btu) is a standard measure of heat energy used to compare different types of energy sources in the United States. Fossil fuels, particularly petroleum, remain a significant source of energy for the transportation sector, contributing about 89% of the sector's primary energy consumption in 2023.
The transportation sector is a major consumer of fossil fuels, especially gasoline. In 2022, Americans used approximately 135.73 billion gallons of gasoline, including 134.55 billion gallons of finished motor gasoline and 0.19 billion gallons of finished aviation gasoline. Texas and California have consistently been the top two states with the highest motor gasoline consumption. In 2023, the average daily consumption of finished motor gasoline in the US was about 376 million gallons, or 8.94 million barrels.
While gasoline consumption has decreased in recent years, the gasoline market remains robust, with gasoline sales across various stations in the country totaling 654 billion US dollars in 2023. The high demand for gasoline is reflected in the increasing gasoline prices, which reached around $1.40 per gallon in 2023. These statistics highlight the continued reliance on fossil fuels, particularly in the transportation sector, and the need for a transition to cleaner energy alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2023, the US consumed a total of 94 quadrillion British thermal units (Btu) of energy. Fossil fuels—petroleum, natural gas, and coal—accounted for about 84% of this.
In 2022, Americans used about 135.73 billion gallons of gasoline, including 134.55 billion gallons of finished motor gasoline and 0.19 billion gallons of aviation gasoline. This works out as about 368.63 million gallons per day.
In 2022, the US transportation sector used about 1,476 million metric tons of gasoline and diesel, making up about 30% of the country's energy-related CO2 emissions.
In 2023, the US electric power sector used almost all (96%) of the total US utility-scale electricity generation.
A Gasoline Superuser is a term used to describe the top 35% of gasoline consumers in the US. These users spend around 10% of their household income on gasoline, which equates to about $530 per month.
