Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Oil Prices to Continue Upward Trend in Years Ahead

U.S. oil prices are expected to rise to $108 per barrel by 2020 and $133 per barrel by 2035, according to the U.S. Department of Energy

by Staff
May 25, 2010
Oil Prices to Continue Upward Trend in Years Ahead

Petroleum and liquid fuels will continue to be the largest energy source worldwide for the next 25 years.(Photo courtesy of Lubrizol)

2 min to read


U.S. oil prices are expected to rise to $108 per barrel by 2020 and $133 per barrel by 2035, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

According to the Energy Information Administration's International Energy Outlook 2010, oil prices should continue their upward trend as demand increases and world economies continue to recover.

"Oil prices have been especially sensitive to demand expectations, with producers, consumers, and traders continually looking for an indication of possible recovery in world economic growth and a likely corresponding increase in oil demand," the outlook said.

According to the EIA, world oil prices increased sharply from 2003 to July 2008, while prices dropped sharply over the rest of 2008. Last year, oil prices started moving upward again.

The outlook also pointed out that petroleum and other liquid fuels will continue to be the largest energy source worldwide for the next 25 years, although projected higher oil prices erode their share of total energy use from 35 percent in 2007 to 30 percent in 2035.

By 2035, total liquid fuels consumption should rise 28 percent, or 24.5 million barrels per day, over 2007 levels, the EIA said. Conventional oil supplies from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) contribute 11.5 million barrels per day to the total increase in world liquid fuels production, and conventional supplies from non-OPEC countries add another 4.8 million barrels per day.

In addition, world natural gas consumption is projected to rise 1.3 percent per year, from 108 trillion cubic feet in 2007 to 156 trillion cubic feet in 2035.

"Renewables are the fastest-growing source of world energy supply, but fossil fuels are still set to meet more than three-fourths of total energy needs in 2035 assuming current policies are unchanged," said EIA Administrator Richard Newell.

For more information about the IEO2010, click here.



More Drivers

Photo of Stone's Truck Stop
Driversby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 5, 2026

Trucker Path Names Top Truck Stops for 2026

Truck driver ratings reveal the best chain and independent truck stops in the country.

Read More →
SponsoredFebruary 1, 2026

Stop Watching Footage, Start Driving Results

6 intelligent dashcam tactics to improve safety and boost ROI

Read More →
DriversJanuary 23, 2026

What FMCSA’s New Enforcement Push Means for Fleets in 2026 [Podcast]

Listen as transportation attorney and TruckSafe Consulting President Brandon Wiseman joins the HDT Talks Trucking podcast to unpack the “regulatory turbulence” of last year and what it means for trucking fleets in 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
DriversJanuary 20, 2026

How Pilot Is Using AI in Truck Maintenance

A practical look at how artificial intelligence is helping Pilot's trucking fleet move from reactive maintenance to a more proactive approach.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Safety, uptime, and insurance costs directly impact profitability. This eBook looks at how fleet software is evolving to deliver real ROI through proactive maintenance, AI-powered video telematics, and real-time driver coaching. Learn how fleets are reducing crashes, defending claims, and using integrated data to make smarter operational decisions.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

Basic Tracking vs Next Generation Fleet Technology

Fleet software is getting more sophisticated and effective than ever, tying big data models together to transform maintenance, safety, and the value of your existing tech stack. Fleet technology upgrades are undoubtedly an investment, but updated technology can offer a much higher return. Read how upgrading your fleet technology can increase the return on your investment.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Graphic showing smart truck parking technology with a highway sign reading “Spaces Available” and the Streetline logo.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseJanuary 16, 2026

Streetline Expands Smart Truck Parking System on West Coast

Streetline is expanding smart truck parking tools, including a new I-5 deployment in Washington and a no-upfront-cost pilot model for state DOTs.

Read More →
Truck parked at night
Driversby Deborah LockridgeJanuary 15, 2026

Third 'Jason's Law' Truck Parking Survey Under Way

The Federal Highway Administration is asking motor carriers and truck drivers to give input on where and when drivers have difficulty finding truck parking, and on how drivers prefer to get information on available parking.

Read More →
Driversby StaffJanuary 8, 2026

FMCSA Continues Focus on State Issuance of Non-Domiciled CDLs

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration continues a crackdown on an increasing number of states it says have been issuing non-domiciled CDLs improperly.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Driversby Deborah LockridgeDecember 30, 2025

Will FMCSA’s Driver-Oriented Enforcement Initiatives Affect Capacity?

The Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration took several actions in 2025 to tighten enforcement of regulations for commercial drivers. Will those affect trucking capacity in 2026?

Read More →