Data-driven Analysis of Fuel Consumption Trends and Policy Options for Decarbonizing Transportation in GCC Countries

The transportation sector in the Middle East is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, driven by rising population and rapid economic development. This study presents a data-driven analysis of fuel consumption trends across key oil-dependent GCC economies and evaluates policy options for decarbonizing their transport systems. Using national and international datasets, time-series analysis, and scenario-based modeling, the study identifies growth patterns in gasoline consumption from 1990 to 2020. Scenario projections indicate that aggressive policy combining vehicle electrification, modal shift, fuel economy standards, and carbon pricing—could reduce transport emissions by up to 55% by 2050.