US strategic oil reserves on the verge of a nearly 45-year low
US strategic oil reserves have fallen to 284.6 million barrels, their lowest level since 1982. We look at the causes and consequences.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
The United States' strategic oil reserves are approaching their lowest level in nearly 45 years, standing at 284.6 million barrels in mid-September, due to massive releases and geopolitical tensions.
## Strategic reserves on the decline
The strategic petroleum reserves of **the United States** are in a critical situation, on the verge of reaching their lowest level since October **1982**. As of **September 18**, inventories stood at **284.6 million barrels**. Projections from the US **Department of Energy** point to a further decline, potentially dropping to **283.8 million barrels** the trinc week. This figure represents a drastic drop compared with the **406 million barrels** stored in the same period of **2025**.
## Causes of the sharp reduction
The main reason behind this notable decline is the release of **172 million barrels** of crude authorized by Washington in March. The measure was implemented to ease the fuel crisis stemming from the escalation of tension in **the Middle East**. However, the persistence of tensions in the **Strait of Hormuz** appears to be undermining the effectiveness of these initiatives. Some industry experts have even described these actions as "self-destructive", comparing the current situation to living on a credit card limit in the oil market.
## Strategic reserves on the decline
The strategic petroleum reserves of **the United States** are in a critical situation, on the verge of reaching their lowest level since October **1982**. As of **September 18**, inventories stood at **284.6 million barrels**. Projections from the US **Department of Energy** point to a further decline, potentially dropping to **283.8 million barrels** the trinc week. This figure represents a drastic drop compared with the **406 million barrels** stored in the same period of **2025**.
## Causes of the sharp reduction
The main reason behind this notable decline is the release of **172 million barrels** of crude authorized by Washington in March. The measure was implemented to ease the fuel crisis stemming from the escalation of tension in **the Middle East**. However, the persistence of tensions in the **Strait of Hormuz** appears to be undermining the effectiveness of these initiatives. Some industry experts have even described these actions as "self-destructive", comparing the current situation to living on a credit card limit in the oil market.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (7 replies).
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