U.S. Gasoline Consumption Tripled Since 1950

Motor gasoline consumption in the United States rose at a tremendous rate over the past 60 years, peaking at 142 billion gallons in 2007. This is more than three times the amount Americans used in 1950 – just 40 billion gallons were consumed that year, immediately prior to a massive rise in car ownership.

Interestingly, as America seeks to slash its dependence on oil, the level of motor gasoline consumption has started to decline inline with that goal. Since that peak in 2007, drivers in the United States have used less gasoline every year. In 2012, 133 billion gallons were consumed – a figure six percent lower than that of 2007.

Why has American gasoline consumption declined? Car fleets have been shrinking while individual vehicles have grown more fuel efficient. Meanwhile, gasoline prices have risen steadily, resulting in Americans travelling less miles.