Source: BP Statistical Review of World Energy.

World Energy Consumption, 1965-2006

Over the last 50 years, while consumption of fossil fuels grew substantially, the world undertook a transition in its usage of fossil fuels, from solids (coal), to liquids (oil) to gases (natural gas). While coal accounted for 62% of all fossil fuel consumption in 1950, this share dropped to 28% in 1998 equivalent to the share of natural gas. The share of oil substantially increased between 1950 and 1980, where it peaked at 45% of fossil fuel use, then declined to 43%.

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