EL7.AI
CommoditiesMediumUpdated×2•Originally published 29 June 2026•Updated 29 June 2026•
1 min read

US Strategic Petroleum Reserve crude stocks plunge to lowest since 1983

Metallic oil tank with a low gauge before a US flag map, labeled Strategic Reserve Low 1983 on a dark surface.

Key Facts

1Crude oil stocks in the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell by 5.5 million barrels to 325.7 million barrels, the lowest level since May 1983, according to Department of Energy data.

Why this matters now: with global oil markets under persistent pressure, the drop in US SPR stocks adds a bullish underpinning to crude prices. According to Department of Energy data, crude oil stocks in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve declined by 5.5 million barrels to 325.7 million barrels, the lowest level since May 1983.

The drawdown extends a steady trend of releases from the strategic reserve. The weekly EIA report on June 24 showed commercial crude inventories fell by 6.1 million barrels, while the API report on June 23 recorded a 0.8 million barrel drop. These figures underscore ongoing supply tightness in the US market.

In trading, persistent inventory declines are expected to support prices. Traders will watch upcoming EIA reports for further declines, which could reinforce bullish sentiment in oil markets.