Reduced economic activity resulting from shelter-in-place restrictions due to COVID-19 drove significant near-term disruptions to energy markets in the month of April with U.S. petroleum demand falling nearly 27 percent to 14.2 million barrels per day (mb/d),

For 2019, world oil demand growth is kept broadly unchanged compared to last month’s assessment, estimated to have grown by 0.83 mb/d, y-o-y, to average 98.72 mb/d. In 2020, world oil demand growth is adjusted lower by 2.23 mb/d and is now forecast to drop by 9.07 mb/d.

EIA expects U.S. total liquid fuels consumption will rise from an average of 15.9 million b/d in the second quarter of 2020 to 18.7 million b/d in the third quarter of 2020 and then to average 19.8 million b/d in 2021, up 8% from 2020, but lower than 2019 levels.

U.S. petroleum demand declined to 19.4 million barrels per day (mb/d) in March, which was a 4.6% decrease from February

Total global oil demand is now assumed at 99.73 mb/d in 2020, with 2H20 forecast to see higher consumption than 1H20. Considering the latest developments, downward risks currently outweigh any positive indicators and suggest further likely downward revisions in oil demand growth, should the current status persist.

Global energy demand rises by 20 percent; market demand trends differ for OECD and non-OECD

Oil demand growth in 2020 is revised down by 0.23 mb/d from the previous month’s assessment. With this, global oil demand is now forecast to grow by 0.99 mb/d and average 100.73 mb/d for 2020,

EIA now expects global petroleum and liquid fuels demand will rise by 1.0 million b/d in 2020, which is lower than the forecast increase in the January STEO of 1.3 million b/d in 2020, and by 1.5 million b/d in 2021.

We have cut our 2020 oil demand growth forecast by 365 kb/d to 825 kb/d, the lowest since 2011.

Weaker-than-expected LNG demand, relatively mild winter weather, the coronavirus outbreak and Chinese tariffs have made the situation worse.