𝗨𝗦 𝗘𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗢𝗶𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗽𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗟𝗼𝘄𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝟭𝟵𝟴𝟯
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) has fallen to its lowest level in over forty years. Federal data shows the reserve held 340.3 million barrels of crude oil as of June 12, 2026. This amount is less than the historic low recorded in July 2023.
Key facts regarding the oil reserve:
- US officials released 8.9 million barrels from the stockpile last week.
- The reserve has declined by 75 million barrels since the war with Iran began in February.
- This reduction represents an 18% decline in total volume.
- The current stockpile is at less than half capacity.
- The SPR must remain at least 20% capacity to stay operational.
The Trump administration uses the SPR to manage energy prices and economic impacts from global conflicts. The administration previously committed to releasing 172 million barrels of oil.
Current trends present several risks:
- Large hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico could disrupt production while the buffer is low.
- Replenishing the reserve is not expected before the peak hurricane season.
- Continued rapid draws might lead to operational constraints.
Source: The Times of India