Non-OECD countries now account for nearly 60% of global petroleum consumption, up from 35% in the 1990s

Developing countries account for the majority of the world's liquid petroleum consumption. Developing countries outside the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) account for a growing share of global liquid petroleum consumption. Nearly 60% of the world's liquid petroleum consumption now occurs in non-OECD countries, up from just 35% in the 1990s. Developing countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa have experienced faster economic growth and population expansion in recent decades compared to OECD regions, leading to faster oil demand growth.

China has been a significant driver of growth within the non-OECD. China’s liquid petroleum consumption grew by ~14 mb/d from 1990 to 2024. By comparison, India’s demand has grown by ~4.5 mb/d over the same period.

Despite such growth, non-OECD countries consume significantly less oil per capita than OECD countries. On average, non-OECD countries consume 3.2 barrels per person per year, while OECD countries consume 12.2 barrels per person per year.