Trends in road transport

  • The consumption of road transport decreased in 22 EU countries from 2019 to 2021 (-2%/year at EU level). Only Eastern European countries saw a growth in road transport consumption in this period (until +2%/year for Romania). 
  • Previously, it grew slowly at EU level between 2010 and 2019 (+0.4%/year), with disparities across countries: significant growth in most Eastern countries, stabilization or slow growth in most Western countries, decrease in Southern countries. 

Energy consumption trends in road transport


  • Since 2013, road consumption is increasing again (1.5%/year). This trend is mainly explained by the economic growth rebound (2.1%/year increase of the GDP) and significant decrease of motor fuel prices (-2.5%/year).
  • Before that, consumption of road transport decreased between 2007 and 2013 (-1.4%/year), after a rapid progression between 2000 and 2007 (1.5%/year) despite increasing motor fuel prices.

Energy consumption of road transport, fuel prices and GDP (EU)