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Motor-Fuel Use

Highway Fuel Use

Line chart showing highway fuel use in billions of gallons for highway use including gasohol, highway use of special fuels, and total fuel use
Line graph showing gasohol sales in billions of gallons

From 1970 to 2000, total highway fuel consumption increased to 162.3 billion gallons from 92.3 billion gallons. The highway use of gasoline, which includes gasohol, is predominately by automobiles while the highway use of diesel fuel is predominately by trucks.

During this period, the highway use of gasoline increased from 85.6 billion gallons in 1970 to 128.0 billion gallons by 2000. As population and number of automobiles increased, the highway use of gasoline increased overall through the 1980's and into 2000, despite improved automotive fuel economy.

Vehicle Miles of Travel, Highway Motor-Fuel Use and Miles per Gallon of Fuel for All Vehicles

Graph showing Vehicle Miles of Travel, Highway Motor-Fuel Use and Miles per Gallon of Fuel for All Vehicles
VMT in billions for 1970 shows 1,109.7 and 2000 shows 2.749. Motor Fuel Use in billions of gallons shows 92.3 for 1970 and 162.3 by 2000. Miles per gallon for 1970 shows 12.0 and by 2000 was 16.9.

Source: Office of Highway Policy Information, Federal Highway Administration.

Indices for vehicle-miles of travel, highway fuel use, and average vehicle fuel economy (miles per gallon) have increased significantly through the last decade. Average fuel economy for all vehicles has increased from 12.0 miles per gallon (mpg) in 1970 to 16.9 mpg in 2000, a 29.0% increase. This improved fuel efficiency made it possible to have a 248% increase in vehicle-miles of travel with only a 176% increase in fuel use.

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United States Department of Transportation - Federal Highway Administration