The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts global oil demand will keep rising through the 2020s, even though China—the world's biggest oil importer—is expected to hit peak demand by 2027. While China's slowdown might seem like a turning point, growth in other regions, like India and emerging economies, will keep the overall trend upward.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a story about oil—it’s about the messy transition to cleaner energy. Even as some countries slow their oil use, others are still ramping up, which means the world’s reliance on fossil fuels isn’t disappearing anytime soon. That’s a big deal for climate goals, geopolitics, and everyday gas prices.