The United States’ Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) has fallen to its lowest level in more than four decades, highlighting growing strain on energy security as Washington’s military confrontation with Iran continues to affect global oil markets.
According to data from the US Department of Energy, the SPR dropped to 340.3 million barrels last week after a reduction of 8.9 million barrels. This marks the lowest recorded level since July 1983.
Additional reporting, including figures cited by CNN, indicates that the latest withdrawal from emergency reserves took place during the week ending 12 June. The continued drawdown reflects an ongoing policy of releasing crude oil to help stabilise domestic fuel prices amid global market volatility triggered by the conflict with Iran.
Since the outbreak of hostilities in late February, the reserve has reportedly fallen by around 75 million barrels - an estimated 18 per cent decline. Analysts say these large-scale releases have helped prevent sharper spikes in crude oil prices, offering temporary relief to consumers and industries facing inflationary pressure.
However, energy experts caution that the strategy is rapidly depleting a critical national buffer. With the SPR now less than half full, concerns are growing about the United States’ ability to respond to future supply shocks, particularly as the Atlantic hurricane season raises the risk of disruptions in Gulf oil production.
Observers also note the political sensitivity surrounding the drawdown, as critics point out the contrast between current policy and previous US positions on emergency reserve usage.
The situation underscores broader economic consequences of the prolonged Iran conflict, with analysts warning that shrinking reserves could leave the US more exposed to future energy crises.
