❗Let's close the gap: We still need your help to raise $40,000 by April 1. Donate now
News In Brief

How does the amount of oil that’s pouring into the Gulf compare to the amount of petroleum we use everyday?

Daryl Paranada Jun 7, 2010
News In Brief

How does the amount of oil that’s pouring into the Gulf compare to the amount of petroleum we use everyday?

Daryl Paranada Jun 7, 2010

by Adriene Hill

Easy answer: it’s not even close. The US Geological Survey estimates somewhere around half a million gallons of oil are pouring into the Gulf everyday. (This is, of course, significantly higher than the original estimates by BP.) PBS created a counter if you want to keep track of just how depressed you should be at any given second.

But, all that oil is only a very, very small drop in the bucket compared to global consumption. Every day the world blows through about 7,000 times as much petroleum.

It’s mind-boggling.

There’s a lot happening in the world.  Through it all, Marketplace is here for you. 

You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible. 

Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.