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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 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 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 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, 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
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
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 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 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 includes first subsidy for ethanol.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122003103.html
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 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
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 percent the year after World War II ends.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122003103.html
Country's first gasoline filling station is built in St. Louis.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122003103.html