Frequently Asked Questions

How much of the oil produced in the U.S. is consumed in the U.S.?

EIA cannot determine exactly the amount of crude oil produced in the United States (U.S.) that is consumed, as refined products, in the U.S. However, the majority of the crude oil produced in the U.S. is refined in U.S. refineries. The U.S. also produces other liquids that are used in the refining process that are added or blended with the refined products. In 2011, the U.S. produced about 5.7 million barrels of crude oil per day and imported about 8.9 million barrels per day.

EIA is not able to track how much domestically produced crude oil and other liquids are exported in the form of refined products. The small quantity of crude oil produced in the U.S. that is exported, nearly all to Canada, may actually be returned to the U.S. as refined products.

The U.S. became a (slight) net exporter (exported more than we imported) of refined petroleum products in 2008. Refined petroleum products produced in the U.S. from both domestic and imported crude oil are exported to other countries. The volume of net exports of refined products in 2011 was equivalent to about 8% of the total volume of U.S. petroleum consumption in 2011.

Learn More: U.S. petroleum supply and disposition

Last updated: June 19, 2012


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