Katerina Swanson
Americans burn millions of gallons of fuel every day. In 2023, the United States consumed about 20.25 million barrels of petroleum daily, or about 7.39 billion barrels of petroleum annually. The same year, the country's consumption of finished motor gasoline averaged about 376 million gallons per day, up by almost 2% from 2022. The record-high level of finished motor gasoline consumption was about 392 million gallons per day in 2018. Gasoline consumption in the US is influenced by factors such as the number of vehicles on the road, the type of vehicles, typical speeds, and congestion levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total fuel consumption in 2022 | 135.73 billion gallons |
| Finished motor gasoline consumption in 2022 | 134.55 billion gallons |
| Finished motor gasoline consumption per day in 2022 | 368.63 million gallons |
| Finished aviation gasoline consumption in 2022 | 0.19 billion gallons |
| Total fuel consumption in 2023 | 137.05 billion gallons |
| Finished motor gasoline consumption in 2023 | 137.05 billion gallons |
| Finished motor gasoline consumption per day in 2023 | 376 million gallons |
| Petroleum consumption per day in 2023 | 20.25 million barrels |
| Total petroleum consumption in 2023 | 7.39 billion barrels |
| Gasoline consumption by private light-duty vehicles in 2022 | 115 billion gallons |
| Gasoline consumption by 'Gasoline Superusers' in 2022 | 40 billion gallons |
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What You'll Learn
Gasoline consumption in 2022
Gasoline is one of the most consumed fuels in the United States, with Americans using about 135.73 billion gallons of gasoline in 2022. This includes 134.55 billion gallons of finished motor gasoline (approximately 368.63 million gallons per day) and 0.19 billion gallons of finished aviation gasoline.
Motor gasoline is the main product of US oil refineries, and most of the finished motor gasoline sold is about 10% fuel ethanol by volume. In 2022, total gasoline consumption accounted for about 57% of total energy consumption in the transportation sector and 16% of total energy consumption in the US. In terms of volume, it accounted for 45% of total petroleum consumption.
Light-duty vehicles (cars, sport utility vehicles, and small trucks) account for about 91% of all gasoline consumption in the US. Texas and California have historically accounted for the largest shares of total motor gasoline consumption in the US.
In 2022, the US transportation sector's gasoline and diesel use resulted in the release of roughly 1,476 million metric tons of CO2, making up about 30% of the country's energy-related CO2 emissions. US gasoline consumption alone contributed to 2.8% of global carbon emissions from fossil fuels.
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Gasoline consumption in 2023
Gasoline consumption in the US has been monitored by the EIA (US Energy Information Administration) since 1945. In 2023, the US consumed 137.05 billion gallons of finished motor gasoline, or about 376 million gallons per day. This was an increase of almost 2% from 2022, when Americans used 134.55 billion gallons, or about 368.63 million gallons per day.
The US is the biggest consumer of gasoline globally, using almost 35% of the world's gasoline. The majority of this fuel is used for transportation, with light-duty vehicles (cars, SUVs, and small trucks) accounting for about 91% of all gasoline consumption in the US. In 2022, gasoline consumption in the transportation sector accounted for about 57% of total energy consumption in that sector, and 16% of total energy consumption across all sectors in the US.
Gasoline consumption in the US peaked in 2018, with a record-high level of about 392 million gallons per day. Since then, consumption has decreased, due to a combination of factors including the replacement of older vehicles with more fuel-efficient ones, climate change policies, and the increase in remote work since the pandemic.
To reduce gasoline consumption further, governments can establish ambitious reduction goals and implement data-driven programs. Gasoline consumption data can be used to inform transportation policies and outreach efforts, encouraging a shift towards cleaner vehicles.
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Gasoline superusers
In 2023, the United States consumed approximately 376 million gallons of gasoline per day. This figure includes both finished motor gasoline and aviation gasoline. According to a report by Coltura, a small group of 'gasoline superusers' are responsible for a significant portion of this consumption.
Who are these gasoline superusers? They tend to reside in rural areas, with states like Mississippi, Maine, West Virginia, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota having high concentrations. These states also have a relatively low uptake of electric vehicles (EVs). Superusers are more likely to drive larger, fuel-inefficient vehicles such as SUVs and pickup trucks, which contribute to their higher gasoline consumption.
To reduce gasoline consumption and meet climate goals, policies should focus on incentivizing gasoline superusers to switch to EVs. This targeted approach can be more effective and equitable, especially for lower-income superusers who bear a significant financial burden due to their high gasoline expenditure.
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The number of vehicles on the road
In 2022, Americans used about 368.63 million gallons of fuel per day, including 367.46 million gallons of finished motor gasoline and about 0.19 billion gallons of finished aviation gasoline. Motor gasoline is the most consumed fuel in the United States and is used in cars, SUVs, light trucks, and motorcycles.
The number of vehicles on American roads is substantial and has been increasing over the years. In 2015, there were an estimated 263.6 million registered vehicles in the United States, most of which were passenger vehicles. This number has been steadily increasing since 1960, with the popularity of cars surging in the 1950s with the construction of the Interstate Highway System and the suburbanization of the country. By the fourth quarter of 2024, the number of vehicles operating on US roads had risen to around 281 million. This includes both new and used vehicles, with the used vehicle market gaining momentum due to increasing new car prices and more affordable financing options.
The average age of vehicles in the US fleet has also been increasing, with the average vehicle age rising from 11 years in 2018 to over 12 years in 2024. The automotive market has been influenced by various economic factors, including increasing new vehicle prices and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to chip shortages. Despite these challenges, the number of licensed drivers has been steadily increasing, reaching almost 230 million in 2023.
The United States has a significant passenger vehicle market, second only to China since 2009. Three large vehicle manufacturers dominate the market: General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and FCA US (including brands like Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler). While mid-size sedans are popular, large SUVs have gained popularity in the 21st century, contributing to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Pick-up trucks were the best-selling vehicles until 2008 when rising oil prices shifted consumer preferences.
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The type of vehicles on the road
The type of vehicles on American roads varies, from private cars to public transportation vehicles. The National Household Travel Survey (NHTS) provides data on travel behaviour in all 50 states and Washington, DC, including information on vehicle characteristics by state. This data is used by transportation planners and policymakers to understand travel and transportation patterns in the country.
Private vehicles on American roads include cars, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), light trucks, motorcycles, and other light-duty vehicles. SUVs are particularly popular in certain states, such as Michigan, where there is a strong culture of owning American-made cars. Other vehicle types in this category include sedans, coupes, station wagons, and small trucks.
Public transportation vehicles in the US include buses, such as the ones found in urban areas for intra-city travel, and long-distance coaches for interstate travel. Additionally, the US has various rail networks, including subways, light rail, and Amtrak for long-distance travel.
The variety of vehicles on American roads contributes significantly to the country's fuel consumption. In 2023, the US consumed about 376 million gallons of finished motor gasoline per day, with light-duty vehicles, such as cars, SUVs, and small trucks, accounting for about 91% of all gasoline consumption. This consumption contributes to energy-related carbon emissions, with the transportation sector's gasoline and diesel use accounting for about 30% of the country's energy-related CO2 emissions.
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Frequently asked questions
America uses a lot of fuel per day. In 2023, Americans used about 376 million gallons of gasoline per day. This is up by almost 2% from 2022, when Americans used about 368.63 million gallons per day.
In 2022, Americans used about 135.73 billion gallons of gasoline. This number increased to 137.05 billion gallons in 2023.
America is the biggest gasoline user in the world, consuming almost 35% of the world's gasoline.
