Oil trade, 2016

This map shows the main trade routes for oil. It therefore complements the previous map, revealing how oil is diverted in the event of surplus or deficit. It is a global trade, with transportation carried out mainly by ship (tankers). Imports are quite often diversified, with a few exceptions (United States’ dependence on Canada or Europe’s on Russia). The major exporting regions are the Gulf (with Saudi Arabia in the lead), West Africa, Russia, Canada and, to a lesser extent, the northern part of South America.