U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve Falls to Lowest Level Since 1982

U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve dropped to 283.8 million barrels by September 25, the lowest since October 1982. The decline followed a 172 million-barrel release in March authorized by President Trump. The drawdown is part of a 400 million-barrel coordinated release by 32 IEA members. The reserve will be replenished with 200 million barrels within a year at no taxpayer cost. Federal law requires a minimum of 252.4 million barrels, while the industry standard is 250–300 million barrels.