Peak Oil Demand

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Will Oil Demand Hit 123 Million Barrels Per Day By 2050 As OPEC Says?
Forbesยท 2025-07-19 15:55
Core Viewpoint - OPEC asserts that there is no imminent peak oil demand, emphasizing the long-term necessity of oil for the global economy and daily life [3][4] Demand Forecasts - OPEC has revised its global oil demand forecasts downward for the next four years due to lower growth in China, the rise of electric vehicles, and an uncertain macroeconomic environment in OECD countries [3] - The report projects oil demand to average 105 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2023, increasing to 106.3 million bpd in 2026, 111.6 million bpd in 2029, and reaching 123 million bpd by 2050 [5] Energy Mix - Oil is expected to maintain the largest share in the energy mix at just below 30% by 2050, with the combined share of oil and gas remaining above 50% from 2024 to 2050 [5] - The share of other renewables in the energy mix is projected to rise to 13.5% by 2050, an increase of 10 percentage points from 2024 [5] Regional Demand Growth - India, along with other Asian nations, the Middle East, and Africa, is anticipated to be the primary source of long-term oil demand growth, with a combined increase of 22.4 million bpd from 2024 to 2050, and India alone contributing 8.2 million bpd [6] Contrasting Views - Other organizations, such as the International Energy Agency, predict that global oil demand may peak at 105.6 million bpd in 2029 before experiencing a decline [7] - Some industry experts believe that peak oil demand could occur sooner than expected, potentially within this decade, due to the rapid growth of renewable energy [8] Economic Influences - The future trajectory of oil demand may be influenced by global economic conditions, including the impact of digital technologies and geopolitical factors [11][12] - The ongoing global economic turmoil, such as U.S. tariffs, could alter the demand and supply dynamics for oil and other commodities [12] Long-term Outlook - Despite differing opinions on peak oil demand, hydrocarbons are expected to remain a significant part of the global energy mix for the foreseeable future, although oil may not be as dominant as OPEC anticipates [13]