<P> Toward the end of World War II, the automotive era settled rapidly, and the nation's demand of oil increased 12% between 1945 and 1947 while motor vehicle registrations did so by 22% . Around 1948, demand of oil exceeded the supply of oil, allowing the U.S. to start importing oil . Therefore, the nation quickly became a major importer of oil, rather than being the major exporter for it . </P> <P> In 1952, due to a strike by US oil refinery workers, both the US and the United Kingdom cut 30% of fuel delivery to civilian flights, while Canada postponed all private flights . Until the 1960s, the price of oil was relatively stable, and the world market could cover the excess demand of oil in the U.S. However, in 1973, the price of oil increased due to the Arab oil embargo against the U.S., following the nation's support of Israel in the Yom Kippur War . During that time, Arab oil producers reduced production by 4.4 mb / d for two months, 7.5% of global output . During this time, people reduced their consumption of oil by turning down thermostats and carpooling to work, which together with the lower demand due to the 1973 - 75 recession, resulted in a reduction in oil consumption . </P> <P> After the oil crisis of 1973, the price of oil increased again between 1979 and 1980 due to the Iranian revolution . This crisis was related to political instability in a major oil - exporting region . During this period, oil consumption decreased because of new efficiency . At that time, cars were developed so less oil was required and industrialization was also advanced to reduce oil consumption . This caused a decline in U.S. demand of oil and reduced the amount of international imports . The last energy crises in the U.S occurred in 1990 . This occurred due to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait . Similar to the previous crisis, price of oil increased and oil consumption decreased but by a smaller amount and had a smaller effect . </P> <P> In 2010, 70.5% of petroleum consumption in the U.S. was for transportation . Approximately 2 / 3 of transportation consumption was gasoline . Today, the U.S is still dependent on oil, as oil plays an important role socially, economically, and politically . The nation's demand of oil is increasing exponentially causing the U.S. to continue to rely on foreign countries . </P>

When did the united states start exporting oil