Opposed to the world’s largest oil producer, we rarely hear about 11 countries that consume the most oil in the world. These are the countries that spend the vast majority of oil produced worldwide in ever increasing thirst for energy. In the United States alone, 40% of energy is derived from oil, significantly higher percentage than world 33% average. Oil is a very convenient energy source, being very energy dense and easily portable.
Most of the oil is spent on transportation. Various types of fuels account for about 70% of oil consumption. These include gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel that allow people and cargo to be moved (ironically, some of that cargo are oil and oil based products). Another major product group is heavy oil for heating and electricity production. With this in mind, it would seem logical that this list would be pretty much the same as the list of the 20 wealthiest countries in 2013 but there are few surprises there. The first three spots are the same, with the US, China and Japan leading both lists. Germany, the 4th wealthiest country in the world, is 8th on the list of countries that consume the most oil in the world. This is due to the fact that Germany uses a lot of natural gas and renewable energy sources to fuel its energy needs. Russia is few places higher on our list, but that can be explained by the sheer size of the country and much larger transportation costs, percentage wise. The UK, world’s 5th economy isn’t even on our list of 11 countries with the highest oil consumption. But perhaps the biggest surprise is Saudi Arabia. Ranked 19th in economic power, Saudi Arabia is 6th in oil consumption. There are several reasons for this, the most glaring one is that almost 100% of energy comes from either oil or natural gas. There are no alternative energy sources and no coal of hydro power plants. In fact, if the current trends continue, it can be expected that Saudi Arabia will become net oil importer in the next 15 to 20 years. The fact that the world’s largest oil producer could be forced to import oil illustrates the fact how much we are dependent on oil.
11 countries that consume the most oil in the world are ranked by how many barrels of oil they spend each day – bbl/day. So, let’s see them:
11. Mexico
Oil consumption: 2,133,000 bbl/day
We kick off with Mexico. In the last few years, country has tried to reduce its dependency on foreign oil by increasing their production, but since most of their reserves are in extreme deep reservoirs under the Mexican Bay, this plan has yet to see its fruition.
10. Canada
Oil consumption: 2,259,000 bbl/day
Recent increases in oil sand production have propelled Canada to the 5th place of oil producers worldwide. A lot of it remains at home for domestic consumption.
9. South Korea
Oil consumption: 2,301,000 bbl/day
A lots of heavy industry combined with a high standard of living have placed South Korea on this list.
8. Germany
Oil consumption: 2,400,000 bbl/day
After Fukushima disaster, Germany closed all of its nuclear power plants. It was expected that the shortfall will be supplemented by increased oil consumption, but instead Germany opted of renewable energy sources.
7. Brazil
Oil consumption: 2,594,000 bbl/day
Major oil producer, Brazil remains net oil importer, due to high energy demand from its economy.
6. Saudi Arabia
Oil consumption: 2,817,000 bbl/day
Placed very high on our list of 11 countries that consume the most oil in the world, Saudi Arabia could become net oil importer by 2035 unless it manages to curb its oil consumption and invest in new sources of energy.
5. Russia
Oil consumption: 3,196,000 bbl/day
Competing with Saudi Arabia as the world largest oil exporter, Russia also needs a lot of it for its own needs.
4. India
Oil consumption: 3,292,000 bbl/day
Another emerging economy, India is one of the largest oil importers in the world.
3. Japan
Oil consumption: 4,464,000 bbl/day
Not only Japan burns a lot of oil, it also imports almost every barrel of it, since it doesn’t have any sources domestically.
2. China
Oil consumption: 9,790,000 bbl/day
World most populous country need plenty of oil to fuel the world’s largest growing economy.
1. United States
Oil consumption: 18,840,000 bbl/day
The United States spends more oil than the next three countries on our list of 11 countries that consume the most oil in the world combined.
