US strategic petroleum reserve falls to 44-year low
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Güneşli
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Güneşli
The United States' Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) has fallen to its lowest level in 44 years following continued withdrawals aimed at easing pressure on global oil markets after the Iran war.
According to data from the US Department of Energy, crude oil stocks in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve declined to 285 million barrels last week, marking the lowest level since November 1982.
The decline came after Washington launched a major emergency release programme to support global oil supplies following disruptions caused by the Iran war. Under the programme, the United States has withdrawn 172 million barrels from its strategic reserves as part of efforts coordinated with other members of the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The withdrawals have significantly reduced the emergency oil buffer available to Washington, which is intended to be used during major supply disruptions, natural disasters or other energy security crises.
The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) had previously reported that SPR stocks fell to 384.1 million barrels before further withdrawals pushed reserves down to their current level of 285 million barrels.
Washington seeks to refill strategic reserves
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the administration is working to replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and plans to begin rebuilding stocks in the coming months.
The US government has placed restoring the reserve among its energy security priorities. However, continued pressure on global oil supplies and elevated crude prices linked to the Iran war are expected to make the process more costly.
Meanwhile, the EIA said global oil inventories have declined by about 400 million barrels during 2026 and are expected to continue falling through the end of the year due to ongoing supply disruptions.
The agency also warned that reduced global inventories and prolonged supply risks could keep pressure on oil markets, leaving countries more vulnerable to future energy shocks.
The sharp decline in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve highlights the shrinking emergency oil cushion available to Washington as global energy markets face growing uncertainty. (ILKHA)
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