Vehicle Miles Travelled and Oil Prices

Change in Vehicle Miles Traveled in the United States and Nominal Spot Oil Prices 1971 2022

The growth of Vehicle Miles Travelled (VMT) and oil prices are usually inversely proportional. A surge in oil prices commonly results in a drop in growth rates of VMT, which can become negative with surges that are acute. The Covid-19 pandemic represents an exception as VMTs and oil prices dropped concomitantly, mainly due to lockdowns causing a sharp decline in oil demand.

Change in Vehicle-Miles Traveled in the United States and Nominal Spot Oil Prices, 1971-2022 | The Geography of Transport Systems (transportgeography.org)