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Motor-Fuel Use
Highway Fuel Use
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
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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