Rising to a series high
Middle East Primary Energy Consumption moved from 34.82 Exajoules in 2015 to 40.46 Exajoules in 2023 (+16.2%), an average of +1.9% a year. The series high was 40.46 Exajoules in 2023 and the low 34.82 Exajoules in 2015.
What Middle East Primary Energy Consumption shows
Middle East Primary Energy Consumption was 40.46 Exajoules in 2023, up 3% on 2022. The Middle East regional primary energy consumption over the 2015–2023 period reflects a growing and strategically important energy market, highlighting overall energy demand patterns, consumption trends, and long-term changes across the region.
A 13.9% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2023) and low (2015) is 5.64 Exajoules. The sharpest single-year move was +5.4% in 2022.
Saudi Arabia leads the region
Within Middle East, Saudi Arabia has the highest value in 2023 at 11.60 Exajoules, 28.7% of the regional total.
Country ranking
Primary Energy Consumption by country, 2023
Exajoules. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Rank↕ | Country↕ | Share of top | Exajoules↕ | vs 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saudi Arabia | 11.60 | +2.3% | |
| 2 | UAE | 5.13 | +5.1% | |
| 3 | Israel | 1.11 | 0% |
By region
Primary Energy Consumption by region
Exajoules, 2023. Each bar is that region's total.
Full series
Middle East Primary Energy Consumption by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Exajoules.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Exajoules | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023Peak | 40.46 | +3% |
| 2022 | 39.29 | +5.4% |
| 2021 | 37.27 | +2.1% |
| 2020 | 36.51 | −1.8% |
| 2019 | 37.17 | +1.4% |
| 2018 | 36.65 | +0.2% |
| 2017 | 36.59 | +1.5% |
| 2016 | 36.05 | +3.5% |
| 2015 Trough | 34.82 | — |
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Primary Energy Consumption — - Primary Energy Consumption refers to the total amount of energy consumed by a country before conversion into secondary energy forms such as electricity, heat, or refined fuels. It represents the consumption of energy from primary sources including fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources within a given year. The metric is generally measured in Exajoules (EJ) and provides an overview of a country’s overall energy demand, economic activity, industrial development, and energy system structure. Primary Energy Consumption is an important indicator for evaluating energy usage patterns, resource dependence, energy security, and long-term energy transition trends across countries.
The data includes consumption of primary energy from major energy sources such as coal, crude oil, natural gas, nuclear energy, hydroelectricity, wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and other renewable energy sources. It covers energy used across different sectors, including industrial, residential, commercial, transportation, and power generation activities. The dataset accounts for energy input before transformation into secondary energy products, allowing measurement of total energy demand at the national level. It includes domestically consumed energy and follows standardized calculation methodologies based on energy statistics from national sources and international energy databases, enabling comparison of energy consumption trends among countries.
The data excludes secondary energy products after conversion, such as electricity and refined petroleum products, when measured separately from their original primary energy inputs. It does not represent only electricity consumption or final energy consumption by end users. The indicator does not directly measure energy efficiency, energy affordability, carbon emissions, or the quality and reliability of energy services. Energy losses occurring during energy transformation, distribution, and transmission are accounted for according to the methodology used but do not represent actual useful energy consumed by consumers. Minor differences may occur due to variations in national statistical reporting, estimation methods, and energy accounting practices.
About this indicator
Primary Energy Consumption — - Primary Energy Consumption refers to the total amount of energy consumed by a country before conversion into secondary energy forms such as electricity, heat, or refined fuels. It represents the consumption of energy from primary sources including fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources within a given year. The metric is generally measured in Exajoules (EJ) and provides an overview of a country’s overall energy demand, economic activity, industrial development, and energy system structure. Primary Energy Consumption is an important indicator for evaluating energy usage patterns, resource dependence, energy security, and long-term energy transition trends across countries.
Measured in Petajoules (PJ), the dataset represents the total primary energy consumed across the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Israel, and remaining regional countries, providing insights into energy utilization, economic development, and infrastructure growth.
The Middle East recorded primary energy consumption of 34,820 PJ in 2015, increasing to 36,050 PJ in 2016 and 36,590 PJ in 2017. Consumption remained stable at 36,650 PJ in 2018 before reaching 37,170 PJ in 2019. In 2020, regional consumption declined slightly to 36,510 PJ due to reduced economic activity and changes in energy demand. The region recovered in 2021 with consumption reaching 37,270 PJ, followed by growth to 39,290 PJ in 2022. In 2023, the Middle East recorded the highest consumption level of 40,460 PJ, reflecting continued energy demand growth.
Saudi Arabia remained one of the largest contributors, with consumption increasing from 11,000 PJ in 2015 to 11,600 PJ in 2023. The UAE showed growth from 4,420 PJ to 5,130 PJ, supported by expanding economic activities and energy requirements. Israel maintained a stable trend, increasing from 990 PJ in 2015 to 1,110 PJ in 2023. Remaining Middle Eastern countries demonstrated consistent growth from 18,410 PJ to 22,620 PJ during the same period.
Overall, the dataset highlights a steady increase in the Middle East’s primary energy consumption, driven by industrial expansion, population growth, economic development, and rising energy demand. The temporary decline in 2020 was followed by strong recovery and continued growth. The dataset supports regional energy analysis, policy evaluation, investment planning, and sustainability assessment, providing valuable insights into future energy development, efficiency improvements, and the region’s evolving energy landscape.
- Indicator
- Primary Energy Consumption
- Region
- Middle East
- Unit
- Exajoules
- Coverage
- 2015–2023, annual
- Category
- Energy & Power
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- energyinst.org
Cite this dataset
Using this data in a report, paper or presentation? Copy a formatted citation.
Copied
Frequently asked questions
What is Middle East Primary Energy Consumption?
Definition- Primary Energy Consumption refers to the total amount of energy consumed by a country before conversion into secondary energy forms such as electricity, heat, or refined fuels. It represents the consumption of energy from primary sources including fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and renewable energy sources within a given year. The metric is generally measured in Exajoules (EJ) and provides an overview of a country’s overall energy demand, economic activity, industrial development, and energy system structure. Primary Energy Consumption is an important indicator for evaluating energy usage patterns, resource dependence, energy security, and long-term energy transition trends across countries.
What was Middle East Primary Energy Consumption in 2023?
Middle East Primary Energy Consumption was 40.46 Exajoules in 2023, up 3% on 2022.
How has Middle East Primary Energy Consumption changed between 2015 and 2023?
Middle East Primary Energy Consumption moved from 34.82 Exajoules in 2015 to 40.46 Exajoules in 2023 (+16.2%), an average of +1.9% a year. The series high was 40.46 Exajoules in 2023 and the low 34.82 Exajoules in 2015.
Which year had the highest and lowest Middle East Primary Energy Consumption?
The highest value was 40.46 Exajoules in 2023 and the lowest was 34.82 Exajoules in 2015.
What does the Middle East Primary Energy Consumption data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes consumption of primary energy from major energy sources such as coal, crude oil, natural gas, nuclear energy, hydroelectricity, wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and other renewable energy sources. It covers energy used across different sectors, including industrial, residential, commercial, transportation, and power generation activities. The dataset accounts for energy input before transformation into secondary energy products, allowing measurement of total energy demand at the national level. It includes domestically consumed energy and follows standardized calculation methodologies based on energy statistics from national sources and international energy databases, enabling comparison of energy consumption trends among countries. Excluded: The data excludes secondary energy products after conversion, such as electricity and refined petroleum products, when measured separately from their original primary energy inputs. It does not represent only electricity consumption or final energy consumption by end users. The indicator does not directly measure energy efficiency, energy affordability, carbon emissions, or the quality and reliability of energy services. Energy losses occurring during energy transformation, distribution, and transmission are accounted for according to the methodology used but do not represent actual useful energy consumed by consumers. Minor differences may occur due to variations in national statistical reporting, estimation methods, and energy accounting practices.
Where does the Middle East Primary Energy Consumption data come from?
The series is sourced from energyinst.org (https://www.energyinst.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1542714/684_EI_Stat_Review_V16_DIGITAL.pdf). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Exajoules.
Need more data?
Get in touch with our research team
Need a longer historical series, a custom country set, additional dimensions, or a tailored dataset? Send us your requirement.