More Drivers Pumping Less Fuel In California & U.S.

Since 2002, California has added 8.3% more drivers while reducing its gasoline consumption by 3.5%. And while taking the lead, they are not alone in this trend. Credit high fuel prices, economic stress and improved car technology for the reduction.

October 3, 2011, 11am PDT | Irvin Dawid

In this LA Times report, based in part from data supplied by the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute, gas sales throughout the U.S. are analyzed for trends with special focus on CA and TX. FL and NY defied the trend.

"In the first six months of this year, Californians gasoline consumption dropped "1.7% from the same period last year." See graphic of gasoline sales (all grades) from 2007-2011.

"Motorists across the nation are hitting the pump less often because of high fuel prices, economic stress (from the recession) and improved car technology, experts said.

Among the states with the most licensed drivers, only Texas kept consuming more fuel nearly every year for the last decade, according to Energy Department data. Now, even Texans have taken a dramatic turn: (Gas sales plummeted) 7% from the same period last year, but still up 7% from the first half of 2002.

Still, with 9 million fewer licensed drivers, Texas consumes 459 gallons a year per driver. That's compared with California's 321 gallons."

While more fuel efficient vehicles reduced consumption, a 6% reduction in vehicle miles traveled played a part as well, said Michael Sivak of the University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute.

Thanks to The Roundup

Full Story:

California motorists leading the way on using less gasoline

Published on Monday, October 3, 2011 in Los Angeles Times - Business