local
Global oil demand is dropping, but US drivers keep buying more gas
By Cathy Bussewitz, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 10, 2026
· 5 min read
Global oil demand is set to decline this year for the first time since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, according to a report from the International Energy Agency.The drop, which the agency expects to amount to about 1 million barrels per day in 2026, is due to higher oil prices and d...
Key takeaway The drop, which the agency expects to amount to about 1 million barrels per day in 2026, is due to higher oil prices and disruptions to physical supply that weighed heavily, but unevenly, on various parts of the world, the report said.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
San Antonio drivers are bucking the global trend of declining oil demand, with US gasoline use increasing in the second quarter of 2026 despite higher pump prices. This surge in local gas consumption has significant implications for the city's transportation infrastructure and air quality. As the US continues to defy global trends, San Antonio's roads are likely to remain congested, putting a strain on the city's traffic management systems. Furthermore, the increased gas usage may also impact the city's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and improve air quality, potentially hindering progress towards sustainability goals. With the city's growing population and urban sprawl, the demand for gasoline is likely to remain high, making it essential for city planners to invest in alternative transportation options and sustainable energy solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of increased gas consumption.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 10, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Global oil demand is set to decline this year for the first time since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, according to a report from the International Energy Agency.The drop, which the agency expects to amount to about 1 million barrels per day in 2026, is due to higher oil prices and d...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 10, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Cathy Bussewitz, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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