Africa’s share of global oil consumption has stayed below 5% for six decades

  • Global oil consumption rose from about 30.9 million barrels per day in 1965 to 101.4 million barrels per day in 2024, more than tripling over the period.
  • Asia Pacific saw the biggest structural shift in global oil demand, increasing its share from 10.7% in 1965 to 37.9% in 2024 to become the world’s largest oil-consuming region.
  • Africa accounted for just 1.9% of global oil consumption in 1965 and 4.5% in 2024, staying below 5% for nearly 60 years.
  • The global centre of oil demand has gradually shifted away from Western economies toward Asia, reflecting industrialisation, urbanisation, and population growth across the region.
  • Africa’s modest share of global oil demand highlights the continent’s relatively low industrial energy consumption despite rapid population growth.

Global oil consumption has more than tripled since 1965, rising from about 30.9 million barrels per day to 101.4 million barrels per day in 2024.

But the regional map of demand has changed even more. Asia Pacific grew from about 10.7% of global oil consumption in 1965 to 37.9% in 2024, becoming the world’s largest oil-consuming region.

Africa’s oil use also grew sharply, but its global share remained small. The continent moved from 1.9% of global consumption in 1965 to 4.5% in 2024, staying below 5% for six decades.

Source:

Energy Institute Statistical Review of World Energy 2025

Period:

1965-2024
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