Petroleum & Other Liquids - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)

Petroleum & Other Liquids

Energy in Brief articles

How dependent are we on foreign oil?

The United States imported about 49% of the petroleum, which includes crude oil and refined petroleum products, that we consumed during 2010. About half of these imports came from the Western Hemisphere. Our dependence on foreign petroleum has declined since peaking in 2005.

Who are the major players supplying the world oil market?

Governments of oil-rich countries have a major influence on the world supply of oil through ownership of national oil companies and, for some governments, their membership in OPEC.

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Petroleum Explained

Why are gasoline prices higher in some regions than in others?

Although price levels vary over time, average retail gasoline prices are often highest in certain States or regions. Besides taxes, there are other factors that contribute to regional and even local differences in gasoline prices.

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Biofuels: Ethanol and Biodiesel Explained

What are biofuels?

"Biofuels" are transportation fuels like ethanol and biodiesel that are made from biomass materials. These fuels are usually blended with the petroleum fuels — gasoline and diesel fuel, but they can also be used on their own. Using ethanol or biodiesel means we don't burn quite as much fossil fuel. Ethanol and biodiesel are usually more expensive than the fossil fuels that they replace, but they are also cleaner-burning fuels, producing fewer air pollutants.

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Features

photo of a refineryReductions in Northeast Refining Activity: Potential Implications for Petroleum Product Markets

Released December 23, 2011

This report is EIA's initial effort to provide information and analysis on the potential impacts on petroleum product markets from reductions in Northeast petroleum refining activity.


Photo image of refinery at night.Petroleum Marketing Monthly

Released February 1, 2012

Monthly price and volume statistics on crude oil and petroleum products at a national, regional and state level.


Oil platformPetroleum Supply Monthly

Released January 30, 2012

Supply and disposition of crude oil, petroleum products and other liquids (including ethanol) on a national and regional level. The data series describe production, imports and exports, movements and inventories.


Photo image of biofuels pump. Biodiesel and fuel ethanol statistics

Released January 27, 2012

The most recent monthly and annual overview statistics for fuel ethanol and biodiesel, published in the Monthly Energy Review.


Image of large propane tanks.Heating Oil and Propane Update

Released weekly

Weekly heating oil and propane prices are only collected during the heating season which extends from October through March.


image of gas pump with 10% ethanol signU.S. Fuel Ethanol Plant Production Capacity

Released November 29, 2011

This is the first release of U.S. Energy Information Administration data on fuel ethanol production capacity. Future capacity data will be released annually near the end of September (data for January 1). This new report contains production capacity data for all operating U.S. fuel ethanol production plants as of January 1, 2011.


image of storage tank farmWorking and Net Available Shell Storage Capacity

Released November 29, 2011

This semi-annual report includes three tables detailing working and net available shell storage capacity by facility type, product, and PAD District as of September 30, 2011.