US Strategic Petroleum Reserve Hits Lowest Level Since 1982

The United States Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell to 289.7 million barrels for the week ending August 21, 2026, marking the lowest level for the stockpile since November 1982. Data from the U.S. Department of Energy shows the reserve declined by 3.7 million barrels in a single week and has dropped by more than 125 million barrels, or roughly 30%, since late February.

Donald Trump authorized the release of 172 million barrels from the reserve as part of an emergency program initiated in March. The drawdown followed oil supply disruptions in the Middle East and shipment restrictions through the Strait of Hormuz.

The action was part of a coordinated International Energy Agency initiative to provide 400 million barrels of oil and petroleum products to global markets. The stockpile currently sits at 41% of its 714 million barrel authorized capacity.