<P> U.S. energy independence relates to the goal of reducing the United States imports of petroleum and other foreign sources of energy . Energy independence is espoused by those who want to leave the U.S. unaffected by global energy supply disruptions, and to restrict reliance upon politically unstable states for its energy security . Energy independence is highly concerned with oil, the source of the country's principal transport fuels . </P> <P> In total energy consumption, the U.S. was between 86% and 91% self - sufficient in 2016 . In May 2011, the country became a net exporter of refined petroleum products . As of 2014, the United States was the world's third - largest producer of crude oil, after Saudi Arabia and Russia . and second largest exporter of refined products, after Russia . </P> <P> As of March 2015, 85% of crude oil imports came from (in decreasing volume): Canada, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Venezuela, and Colombia . 19% of imported oil comes from the Middle East . The fraction of crude oil consumed in the U.S. that was imported went from 35% immediately before the 1973 oil crisis, peaked at 60% in 2005, and then returned to 35% by 2013 thanks to increased domestic production from the shale oil boom . Exports of crude oil have been illegal without a permit since the 1970s; in 2013, the United States physically exported a relatively small amount of oil, and only to Canada . </P>

Where does most of the oil in the us come from