Resource Consumption by Country 2026

Two of the most important resources in modern economies are oil and electricity – forms of energy that tell different but related stories about how countries expend resources. Here is a look at oil and wattage expenditure by countries that are some of the major consumers of these natural resources.

Countries With the Highest Energy Consumption

Countries with the highest energy consumption tend to be large, industrialized economies or major energy producers with large transportation networks and heavy industrial activity. High oil use is often driven by freight transport, manufacturing, and petrochemical industries. High electricity consumption, on the other hand, reflects industrial output, urbanization, and widespread access to power.

As a result, large economies such as the United States and China rank near the top of both oil and electricity consumption, while energy-exporting countries also show formidable oil use relative to population size.

Countries With the Lowest Energy Consumption

Countries with the lowest levels of oil and electricity use are typically low-income economies with limited industrial activity and constrained access to modern energy infrastructure. In these countries, low oil consumption is often associated with fewer vehicles, limited freight transport, and smaller industrial sectors. Low electricity use is closely tied to reduced grid access and lower household consumption. Low energy use in these countries is usually due to limited access, not lower energy needs.