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Petroleum is the single largest source of energy for the United States.
Measured in Btus, the nation uses two times more petroleum than either coal or natural gas, and four times more petroleum than nuclear power, hydroelectricity, and other renewable energy sources. On average, every citizen in the United States uses about 20 pounds of petroleum per day as fuel or power. This primary dependence on petroleum for energy has been a reality for decades. Most refineries in the United States are concentrated on the west and gulf coasts, primarily because of access to major sea transportation and shipping routes. Most oil distillation capacity is centered in large, integrated companies with multiple refining facilities.