US Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) have fallen sharply to approximately 298.7 million barrels — the lowest level since January 1983 — as global markets remain under sustained pressure from crude supply disruptions linked to the US-Iran conflict.
Established in 1975, the SPR has a total storage capacity of up to 714 million barrels. In recent months, the reserve has been drawn upon to offset the loss of oil exports transiting the Strait of Hormuz. In the most recent week alone, SPR stocks declined by 6.1 million barrels, marking a record single-week drawdown.
In March, President Donald Trump ordered the release of 172 million barrels from the reserve after the conflict with Iran severely curtailed oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Prior to US military strikes against Iran, the SPR held approximately 415 million barrels in storage.
Despite the steep reduction in crude stockpiles, a safety buffer remains in place. The minimum security threshold is set at 70 million barrels, meaning further emergency releases remain technically feasible if market conditions deteriorate.
Beyond the decline in stored crude volumes, the SPR’s operational capacity faces additional headwinds from ageing infrastructure. A report published in May by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that more than a quarter of the crude oil stored as of December 2025 was unavailable for drawdown due to maintenance works and outages at storage facilities.
The use of the SPR to cushion energy market shocks has become increasingly frequent in recent years. In 2022, President Joe Biden authorised the release of 180 million barrels following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in an effort to contain rising energy prices.
Source: Petro Angola / Original article: https://petroangola.com/reservas-estrategicas-de-petroleo-dos-eua-atingem-niveis-mais-baixos-dos-ultimos-40-anos/
