The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve declined by approximately 5.1 million barrels to 311.4 million barrels last week, marking the lowest level since March 1983, the Department of Energy reported.
The reduction is part of a U.S. plan to release 172 million barrels from the reserve. SPR inventories have decreased by 104.04 million barrels since the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran started at the end of February, with the latest figure recorded as of July 17 reported Investing.com.
Total U.S. oil inventories, which include both commercial and SPR stocks, fell by 129 million barrels to 726.2 million barrels as of July 10, reaching the lowest level since 1984. Updated data through the end of last week is scheduled for release on Wednesday.
Highest inventory – On December 27, 2009, the SPR reached its full authorized capacity of 727 million barrels, marking the highest inventory recorded at 726.6 million barrels.
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), owned and operated by the U.S. Department of Energy, is a federally managed network of four sites located along the Gulf Coasts of Texas and Louisiana. Each site contains deep underground storage caverns carved into natural salt domes, engineered to securely hold large volumes of crude oil.
Current authorized storage capacity – 714 million barrels
Fill status
- The SPR reached full capacity on December 27, 2009, following the arrival and unloading of a final shipment that began on Christmas Day. This delivery consisted of 493,000 barrels of Saharan Blend – a light, sweet crude oil- transported to the Bryan Mound Site. A subsequent sale and drawdown in 2011 brought the total inventory down to 695.9 million barrels.
Current days of import protection in SPR – At the end of CY 2025 (as of December 31, 2025), the SPR’s crude oil inventory was 411 MMbbl. This is equivalent to approximately 125 days (more than 4 months) of U.S. crude oil net imports..
International Energy Agency requirement – 90 days of import protection (both public and private stocks). In past years, the United States has met its commitment with a combination of SPR stocks and industry stocks. The days of import protection may vary based on actual net U.S. petroleum imports and the inventory level of the SPR.
Average price paid for oil in the Reserve – $29.70 per barrel
Drawdown Capability
- Maximum nominal drawdown capability – 4.4 million barrels per day
- Time for oil to enter U.S. market – 13 days from Presidential decision
Summary List of Historical Releases – click here
Investment to date – About $25.7 billion ($5 billion for facilities; $20.7 billion for crude oil).
