dipity

Experts say U.S. gasoline demand is at the start of a long-term decline following seven decades of mostly uninterrupted growth. Here are key moments marking the rise and fall.

Created by StevePro on Dec 20, 2010

Last updated: 12/20/10 at 02:28 PM

• Demand Falls for 4th Straight year
  2010

  Demand falls for fourth straight year, to an average 8.2 million barrels per day.
  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122003103.html

• Demand Falls as Recession Hits
  2008

  Demand falls 3 percent as recession spreads and pump prices reach record national average of $4.11 per gallon.
  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122003103.html

• Congress Mandate Ethanol use
  2007

  Congress mandates more ethanol use: 9 billion gallons in 2008, rising to 36 billion gallons in 2022.
  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122003103.html

• Gas Demand Peaks
  2006

  Gas demand, excluding ethanol, peaks at 8.9 million barrels per day - 136 billion gallons for the year.
  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122003103.html

• Hurricane Katrina, High Prices Cause Changes
  2005

  High gas prices, elevated in part by Hurricane Katrina, prompt drivers to shun SUVs; Congress requires refiners to blend ethanol into gas.
  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122003103.html

• Fuel Economy Hits New Low
  2004

  The fuel economy of the nation's fleet hits its lowest point since 1980, 19.3 mpg.
  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122003103.html

• Ford Explorer Defies Fuel Economy Rules
  1990

  Ford introduces the Explorer. It was classified as a light truck, and it and other SUVs were exempt from fuel economy rules that apply to cars.
  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122003103.html

• Iranian Revolution
  1980

  Iranian revolution leads to a second "oil shock." From 1978 until 1980, U.S. demand falls 11 percent.
  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122003103.html

• Energy Tax Act
  1978

  Energy Tax Act includes first subsidy for ethanol.
  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122003103.html

• USA Adopts Fuel Economy Standards
  1975

  U.S. adopts its first fuel economy standards for autos. The nation's fleet averages 13.1 mpg.
  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122003103.html

• Arab Oil Embargo Decreases Demand
  1974

  Arab oil embargo causes demand to drop by 2 percent. It's the first decline in 22 years.
  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122003103.html

• Korean War Decreases Demand
  1952

  During Korean War, demand falls by 1 percent. It's the only decline between 1945 and 1974.
  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122003103.html

• Gasoline Demand Rises 25%
  1946

  Gasoline demand rises 25 percent the year after World War II ends.
  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122003103.html

• USA's 1st Gas Station
  1905

  Country's first gasoline filling station is built in St. Louis.
  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122003103.html