Transportation and the U.S. Petroleum Resource: An Aviation Perspective

Abstract

The U.S. commercial aviation industry is meeting the continuing challenges of reduced fuel consumption, higher fuel prices, and increased passenger traffic. However, a disturbing fact is that the country has become increasingly dependent on imported petroleum fuels. In the event that import restrictions are imposed or that some form of rationing is required, federal fuel allocation policies should be based on an informed understanding of user characteristics. This paper provides an overview of several facets of commercial aviation fuel consumption: the merits of its public services, the conservation measures taken to date, the consequences of future shortages, energy conservation strategies, modal efficiency comparisons, and alternate fuels considerations. The conclusion is reached that commercial aviation should be designated as a high priority user of petroleum fuels in any government allocation program. HE 1973/74 oil embargo underscored the dependence of the United States economy on imported petroleum. Transportation was the most vulnerable sector because over 95% of transport fuels are derived from petroleum and the sector consumes over 50% of U.S. refinery products. The major federal control was to limit sales of automobile gasolines. Among the public modes of passenger transportation, only the commercial airlines were allocated reduced fuel supplies. That federal policy was unwarranted because the scheduled domestic airlines consumed less than 5% of refinery output and traffic shifts from automobiles increased the public demand for air service.