Story perspectives

Cushing Tanks Near Empty as Record Exports Surge

6/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Refiners have drawn down Cushing, Oklahoma stockpiles, leaving nearly 400 tanks almost empty.
Cushing’s inventory fell to 22.4 million barrels on May 29, about 4 million less than on February 27.
Storage below 20 million barrels prevents bottom-outlet tanks from being emptied, creating blending challenges.
U.S. crude exports hit a record 5.6 million barrels per day in May as national stocks fell to 43.4 million, a 7.5 % decline since the war started.

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Story summary

Refiners have drawn down Cushing, Oklahoma stockpiles, leaving nearly 400 tanks almost empty.
Cushing’s inventory fell to 22.4 million barrels on May 29, about 4 million less than on February 27.
Storage below 20 million barrels prevents bottom-outlet tanks from being emptied, creating blending challenges.
U.S. crude exports hit a record 5.6 million barrels per day in May as national stocks fell to 43.4 million, a 7.5 % decline since the war started.