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

Alleged Ohio toll evasion truck.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMay 5, 2026

Illinois Trucker Indicted for Nearly $22,000 in Ohio Turnpike Toll Evasion

Authorities say an Illinois trucker avoided paying tolls for two years, and now faces felony charges, possible prison time, and forfeiture of his Freightliner tractor.

Read More →
Illustration with trojan horse and lock with inside of cargo container in background
Fleet Managementby News/Media ReleaseApril 23, 2026

New Trojan Driver Cargo Theft Scam Bypasses Carrier Vetting Systems

Cargo theft rings plant operatives as drivers inside legitimate, fully vetted carriers, then execute coordinated thefts that look like a traditional straight theft from the outside.

Read More →
Female truck driver.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseApril 21, 2026

WIM, Trucker Path Name Top 3 Women-Friendly Truck Stops

ATA’s Women In Motion Council and Trucker Path highlight three truck stops that meet all seven safety-focused criteria and rank highest among female drivers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of driver medical exam paperwork over duotone background of a blood pressure check

FMCSA Extends Paper Medical Card Exemption … Again

Five states still aren't ready to accept commercial driver medical exam information directly from the medical examiner's registry.

Read More →
Mack Pioneer tractor.
Driversby Jack RobertsApril 10, 2026

Mack Launches Digital Driver Guide for Chassis-Specific Truck Info

Mack’s new, virtual owner’s manual delivers VIN-based, on-demand guidance for vehicle systems via web, app, and soon in-cab displays.

Read More →
Close-up of Western Star truck logo with red star emblem on chrome grille, representing the brand’s identity in the trucking industry.
Driversby News/Media ReleaseApril 6, 2026

Western Star Showcases Truckers' Pride and Skill

Western Star is expanding its Star Nation Experience in 2026, adding new competitions and dealer participation to highlight operator skills and promote careers in trucking.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Photo of truck driver at podium holding award
Driversby News/Media ReleaseMarch 27, 2026

Best Fleets to Drive For: Two Carriers Earn Overall Award for First Time

CarriersEdge announced the 2026 Best Fleets to Drive For overall winners, with Crawford Trucking, Fortigo Freight Services, and FTC Transportation receiving top awards.

Read More →
Illustration of Department of Labor building, diesel technician at a computer, and driver training semi trailer
Driversby Deborah LockridgeMarch 10, 2026

Federal Proposal Would Allow Pell Grants for Shorter-Term Job Training

The Department of Labor plans to expand Pell Grant eligibility to some shorter workforce training programs, a move the American Trucking Associations said will help strengthen commercial driver training schools and diesel technician training programs.

Read More →
Illustration of truck owner operator and magnifying glass with the word "regulations"
Driversby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 26, 2026

Owner-Operator Model Gets Boost as DOL Proposes 2024 Independent Contractor Definition Reversal

For an industry that has watched this issue go back and forth for years, the independent contractor proposal marks the latest swing in the regulatory pendulum.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
 Truck with door open and enforcement officer talking to driver about ELD
Safety & ComplianceFebruary 26, 2026

FMCSA Reinstates Field Warrior ELD to Registered Device List

One electronic logging device has been reinstated to the FMCSA's list of registered ELDs.

Read More →