Story perspectives

U.S. SPR Hits 43-Year Low as Inventories Rise

7/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve released 5.1 million barrels, leaving 316.5 million barrels—the lowest level in over 43 years and 420 million below capacity.
U.S. crude inventories rose by 2.603 million barrels in the week ending July 17.
U.S. crude production rose to 13.861 million barrels per day in the week ending July 10, up 486,000 barrels per day from a year earlier.
Brent traded at $91.36 (+2.40%) and WTI at $84.51 (+2.46%) at 4:28 pm ET Tuesday.

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Story summary

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve released 5.1 million barrels, leaving 316.5 million barrels—the lowest level in over 43 years and 420 million below capacity.
U.S. crude inventories rose by 2.603 million barrels in the week ending July 17.
U.S. crude production rose to 13.861 million barrels per day in the week ending July 10, up 486,000 barrels per day from a year earlier.
Brent traded at $91.36 (+2.40%) and WTI at $84.51 (+2.46%) at 4:28 pm ET Tuesday.