Nations with the Highest Dependence on Imported Fossil Fuels

More than two-thirds of energy consumption in countries accounting for approximately 20% of global GDP is met through imports. This group includes major industrial economies such as Germany, Japan, and Italy. Nonetheless, the nations most heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels are typically small island states. Leading the list is Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. Lacking domestic fossil fuel resources, Gibraltar relies entirely—100%—on imported fuels to satisfy its energy requirements. Curaçao ranks second. Despite its historical association with oil refining, the Caribbean Island possesses no fossil fuel reserves. Formerly home to one of the busiest refineries in the world, Curaçao currently imports 99% of its energy, primarily in the form of refined petroleum products. The list also features several major European economies that have recently intensified efforts to reduce their dependence on fossil fuel imports, particularly from the Russian Federation. Notably, China and India appear as well. Although both are significant fossil fuel producers, the scale of their industrial sectors and the rapid growth in energy demand necessitate considerable imports to supplement the domestic supply.

Leading Global Exporters of Fossil Fuels

Since 1960, fossil fuel imports have increased twelvefold, establishing themselves as a fundamental component of the modern global energy economy. As of 2022, imported fossil fuels accounted for approximately 37% of the world’s primary energy supply. Although numerous countries rely on imports to meet their energy needs, several nations serve as major net exporters of fossil fuels. These include the United States, Canada, Brazil, Russia, and Australia.