Highway Motor fuel Use (Billions of Gallons)
After a drop during the economic slump in 1991, highway fuel consumption is once again rising- reaching 137.2 billion gallons in 1993. Despite improved automotive fuel economy, highway use of gasoline increased through most of the 1980's as the population and number of automobiles increased
Highway consumption of diesel fuel, used predominantly by trucks, was more greatly impacted by economic recession, dropping almost 3 percent between 1990 and 1991. Reported diesel fuel consumption has rebounded due to an improved economy and greater enforcement of fuel tax laws.
Gasohol was originally defined to be a blend of 90 percent gasoline and 10 percent fuel alcohol. This definition was expanded in 1993 to include blends varying from 5.7 to 10 percent alcohol. The lower-alcohol blends are often used as "clean air fuel" to reduce the carbon monoxide emissions.
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Vehicle-Miles of Travel, Highway Fuel Use, and Miles per Gallon of Fuel for All Vehicles
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 economy for all vehicles has increased from 12.0 miles per gallon (mpg) in 1970 to 16.7 in 1993, a 39 percent increase. In spite of the increase in vehicle miles of travel (107) percent, we only had a 49 percent increase in fuel use due to efficiency.
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