Oil, gas, and coal continue to cover 86% of global energy demand, according to the latest report from the Energy Institute. The United States leads production with a record 21.1 million barrels per day.
Global energy consumption reached its highest level in history in 2025, with fossil fuels remaining the main players. This is reflected in the World Energy Statistical Report 2026 from the Energy Institute, which states that oil, natural gas, and coal accounted for 86% of the energy consumed on the planet.
Global energy demand remains unstoppable
The report indicates that global energy consumption broke all previous records, driven by growth in electricity, transport, and industry. Although renewables like wind and solar set production records, their progress has not been sufficient to displace fossil fuels, which continue to dominate the global energy mix.
According to the study, oil production in the United States reached 21.1 million barrels per day in 2025, an unprecedented figure that consolidates the country as the world's leading producer. Additionally, it maintains leadership in natural gas and refined product exports.
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers stated that the report supports the U.S. administration's strategy, which aims to increase domestic production to ensure competitive prices and energy security.
“The expansion of production has improved the country's competitiveness and strengthened its energy independence,” she stated.
Geopolitics stirs the energy market
The report is published in a context of geopolitical tension in the Middle East, which has once again focused attention on the Strait of Hormuz. About 20 million barrels of oil and a significant portion of global liquefied natural gas transit through this route daily, making it a critical point for supply.
Economist Steve Moore warns that
“every crisis in the Middle East tends to translate into tensions over oil prices”, while the chief economist of the Heritage Foundation, EJ Antoni, argues that the United States should further expand its production and refining capacity to reduce its exposure to these risks.
Renewables grow, but do not replace
Despite the rise of clean energy, the report makes it clear that the global energy system remains anchored in fossil fuels. Investment in renewables is increasing, but total energy demand is also rising, preventing green sources from gaining significant ground. Coal, oil, and gas remain the pillars of global supply.
For readers in the Community of Madrid, this reality translates into a dependence on international markets that affects the price of gasoline, electricity, and heating. Although Spain has promoted renewables, the evolution of global consumption directly impacts the energy bills of Madrid households.
The report concludes that as long as demand continues to grow, the energy transition will be a slow and obstacle-filled process. The next time you fill up your tank or pay your electricity bill, remember that the world continues to burn record amounts of fossil fuels.
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