Global AveragesGlobal Averages

    Global Average Energy Poverty Rate

    Last updated: March 9, 2026

    33%

    %

    Approximately 33% of the world's population (2.6 billion people) lack access to clean cooking fuels, relying on wood, charcoal, or dung. Indoor air pollution from cooking kills 3.2 million people annually — mostly women and children in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.

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    Why This Average Exists

    Energy poverty is one of the most overlooked development challenges, directly causing millions of premature deaths and trapping communities in cycles of poverty.

    Factors That Affect Global Average Energy Poverty Rate

    • Income levels
    • Infrastructure
    • LPG/electricity access
    • Cultural practices
    • Government subsidies
    • Deforestation for fuelwood

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Methodology & Data Sources

    The data presented on this page is compiled from publicly available datasets published by international organizations including the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations, NASA, and national statistical agencies.

    Global averages are calculated using population-weighted or arithmetic means depending on the metric. Country-level data reflects the most recent available figures, typically from 2023–2024. Where gaps exist, the latest available data point is used.

    All figures are subject to revision as source organizations update their datasets. For the most authoritative data, we encourage consulting the original sources linked in the table above.

    Further Reading