While Global Oil Demand Drops, US Drivers Keep Buying More Gas

Despite a global decline in oil demand and geopolitical tensions, US gasoline consumption rose in the second quarter of 2026. Experts attribute this to a return to in-office work and the fact that higher-income households are less sensitive to rising fuel prices.
Why it matters
This trend highlights the resilience of US consumer behavior in the face of energy price volatility and shifting global supply chains.
While global oil demand is set to decline this year due to the US-Iran conflict, gasoline consumption in the United States increased in the second quarter of 2026.
The article relies on data from industry experts and energy agencies to explain economic trends without taking a political stance.
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