Barack Obama’s energy and environmental policies will undoubtedly affect climate change, the car industry, power companies and taxpayers’ wallets. But one of the most striking effects of the US president’s policies could be a move away from petrol, the fuel that has powered cars for more than 100 years.

Analysts and oil company executives say Washington’s call for a cap and trade system for carbon emissions, its recent decision to demand higher vehicle efficiency standards and its continued support for biofuels will be noticeable far beyond US borders.