US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Hit 44-Year Low

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, U.S. strategic crude oil reserves have plummeted to 283.8 million barrels, a level not seen in 44 years, according to data released by the U.S. Department of Energy and reported by Sputnik.

This depletion follows a decision made in March 2026 to release a maximum of 172 million barrels of oil from the strategic reserves through exchange agreements. Under this program, companies receiving the oil are obligated to return it along with an additional quantity as extra consideration.

This development comes as U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on September 27th that a record amount of oil had been transported through the Strait of Hormuz, exceeding levels observed before the commencement of the conflict in the Middle East. He also asserted that oil prices would likely decrease further with the cessation of hostilities and a reduction in demand.

In July, approximately 25 percent of the U.S. strategic oil reserves were rendered inaccessible due to infrastructural issues. These reserves are typically utilized during emergencies and to help stabilize the oil market.