Story perspectives

U.S. SPR Falls Below 300 Million Barrels for First Time

8/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell to 298.7 million barrels, dropping below 300 million since the early 1980s.
President Donald Trump announced in March that his administration would release 172 million barrels over 120 days.
The Biden administration released 180 million barrels in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine raised oil prices.
GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan said the SPR’s decline will likely continue for weeks until the release ends.

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Story summary

The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell to 298.7 million barrels, dropping below 300 million since the early 1980s.
President Donald Trump announced in March that his administration would release 172 million barrels over 120 days.
The Biden administration released 180 million barrels in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine raised oil prices.
GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan said the SPR’s decline will likely continue for weeks until the release ends.