Spain's oil use hits ten‑year high as external energy dependence stays near 70%

A recent Energy Institute study shows Spain's petroleum consumption reached 1.27 million barrels per day in 2025, the highest level in a decade. Total liquid fuel use also rose to about 1.32 million barrels per day, marking a 0.5‑0.7 % increase over the past ten years.

Despite rapid growth in renewables, Spain's external energy dependence remained at 68.4 % in 2024, with oil and gas accounting for 97 % of imported energy. Renewables generated 55.5 % of electricity in 2025, yet limited grid interconnections (about 3 % of installed capacity versus the EU target of 15 % by 2030) and insufficient storage (7.6 GW versus a 22.5 GW goal) caused negative electricity prices for roughly 6 % of hours.

The report highlights that expanding solar and wind capacity alone will not secure supply unless transmission networks, cross‑border links, and storage infrastructure are developed at a comparable pace, underscoring ongoing vulnerability to price swings and geopolitical tensions.