Frequently Asked Questions
Does EIA have data on the movement of crude oil and ethanol by rail and truck?
EIA has published several articles on the volumes of crude oil, refined petroleum products, and ethanol transported by railroads and trucks within the United States; see Learn more section below. However, we do not publish this data on a regular basis.
We are aware that there are increasing volumes of crude oil being moved by rail from the mid-continent to refineries on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. Increases in crude oil production in North Dakota and the large volumes of crude oil inventories at Cushing, Oklahoma have exceeded the capacity of existing pipelines to move oil from these areas to refineries. Ethanol is mainly transported by rail from ethanol producing facilities to blending and export terminals.
The petroleum and ethanol movements data we collect only includes volumes moved by pipeline, tanker (ship), and barge. We have no future plans to expand this data collection to include rail and highway transport. EIA is not aware of another Government source that publishes these data.
Learn more:
Rail deliveries of oil and petroleum products up 38% in first half of 2012
Rail delivery of crude oil and petroleum products rising
The Latest Twist in Oil Price Patterns
Crude oil movements from Midwest to Gulf Coast on the rise
Shifting Crude Oil Movements in the Mid-Continent
Cushing inventories: taking a deeper look
Market response to the WTI-Brent spread is constrained by logistical challenges
Last updated: August 2, 2012
Other FAQs about Crude Oil
- Do we have enough oil worldwide to meet our future needs?
- Does EIA have data on U.S. oil refineries and their locations?
- Does EIA have data on the movement of crude oil and ethanol by rail and truck?
- Does EIA have data on the type or quality of crude oil processed in U.S. refineries?
- Does EIA have maps or information on the location of natural gas and oil pipelines?
- How dependent is the United States on foreign oil?
- How many gallons of gasoline does one barrel of oil make?
- How much coal, natural gas, or petroleum is used to generate a kilowatt-hour of electricity?
- How much does it cost to produce crude oil and natural gas?
- How much of the oil produced in the U.S. is consumed in the U.S.?
- How much oil does the United States consume per year?
- How much oil is produced in Alaska and where does it go?
- How much oil is used to make plastic?
- How much petroleum does the United States import and from where?
- What are the differences between various types of crude oil prices?
- What are the products and uses of petroleum?
- What countries are the top world oil consumers?
- What countries are the top world oil net exporters?
- What countries are the top world oil net importers?
- What countries are the top world oil producers?
- What do I pay for in a gallon of regular gasoline?
- What is the difference between crude oil, petroleum products, and petroleum?
- What is the outlook for home heating fuel prices this winter?
- What types and amounts of energy are produced in each state?
- When was the last refinery built in the United States?
- Where is the boundary for state and federal offshore oil and gas production?
- Why don't fuel prices change as quickly as crude oil prices?
- Why is the United States exporting gasoline when prices are so high?