America's Addiction to Oil

Every day on the planet Earth, we burn through over 53 million barrels of fuel. At 42 gallons per barrel, that’s a LOT of fuel - almost 2.25 billion gallons. 18 million barrels of that - a full third - are consumed by the United States.

We enjoy exceptionally low gas prices. Think your trips to the pump are expensive? Think again. Our gas average is a full $2.72 lower than the international average. Meanwhile, in some countries like Norway and Turkey, drivers need to shell out nearly $10 per gallon.

Our low cost, easy access to fuel is stalling innovation. European cars average at about 40 MPG while ours only average out at 20 MPG. Europe has been increasing efficiency, and focuses their efforts on improving public transit, while we continue to throw big money at our highway system.

As the days until the end of fuel tick by, there’s one question on everyone’s minds - how long can this really last?


Infographic by CJ Pony Parts