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Strategic Petroleum Reserve Drops to 298.7 Million Barrels

8/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The United States' strategic petroleum reserve fell to 298.7 million barrels on Tuesday, the lowest level since January 1983.
The Department of Energy reported a 6.1 million-barrel drop, leaving 298.7 million barrels of a 727-million-barrel capacity.
Since March, the United States and Israel have drawn down about 172 million barrels to release 400 million barrels.
Iran has kept the Strait of Hormuz closed and warned vessels could be attacked until the United States provides compensation.

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Story summary

The United States' strategic petroleum reserve fell to 298.7 million barrels on Tuesday, the lowest level since January 1983.
The Department of Energy reported a 6.1 million-barrel drop, leaving 298.7 million barrels of a 727-million-barrel capacity.
Since March, the United States and Israel have drawn down about 172 million barrels to release 400 million barrels.
Iran has kept the Strait of Hormuz closed and warned vessels could be attacked until the United States provides compensation.