Oil consumption in Russia 2000-2023

In 2023, Russia consumed over 165 million metric tons of oil, marking an increase of 1.9 million metric tons compared to the previous year. That was the highest figure over the period under consideration. In 2020, oil consumption declined following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and a subsequent drop in car sales across the country.

Oil use in the transport sector

Russia is the world’s fifth-largest oil consumer. The largest share of petroleum in the country is used by its transport sector, with motor gasoline occupying the largest portion of final oil consumption. Given relatively low gasoline prices compared to the world and no advanced compressed natural gas (CNG) or electric vehicle markets, the road transportation sector in Russia strongly relies on oil.

Energy transition: prospects for Russia?

A decline in the global oil demand is expected to have a negative effect on Russia’s energy exports. Furthermore, domestic oil consumption volume is forecast to noticeably decrease under both rapid transition and business-as-usual scenarios. From 6.4 exajoules of oil consumed in 2019, oil consumption in Russia is expected to decline to 5.6 exajoules under the 2050 New Momentum scenario and to 2.4 exajoules under the 2050 Net Zero scenario.