U.S. Consumption by Region

Different regions exhibit different oil consumption patterns.  Population and regional economic activity are two important determinants, but the traditional availability of alternative fuels, petroleum transportation, geography, and a host of other factors are also important. The east coast consumes the largest volume of oil of the five major regions of the country.

On a per capita basis, however, the East Coast, Midwest and the West Coast consume about the same amount, and less than the two other regions, the Gulf Coast and the Rockies.  The Gulf Coast, the heart of the U.S. petroleum industry, presents an interesting case, because more than 25% of the Gulf Coast's "consumption" is not use of oil for energy but rather as a feedstock to make petrochemicals, and finally petroleum-based products such as a variety of plastics, polyurethane, and synthetic fibers.  The Rockies are another interesting case:   the sparsely populated region shows low consumption on an absolute basis, but relatively high regional consumption per capita; high use of transportation fuels to travel long distances makes the difference.

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