US to Release 172 Million Barrels of Oil From Strategic Petroleum Reserve

DOE Energy News

Published March 11th, 2026

Detected March 14th, 2026

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy announced the release of 172 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, beginning next week, as part of a coordinated international effort to lower energy prices. The release is expected to take approximately 120 days, with plans to replenish the reserve within the next year.

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What changed

The U.S. Department of Energy, through Secretary Chris Wright, has announced a significant release of 172 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). This action is part of a larger coordinated release of 400 million barrels by 32 International Energy Agency member nations, authorized by President Trump to address energy prices. The release is scheduled to commence next week and will take approximately 120 days to complete. The Department also stated that the SPR will be replenished with approximately 200 million barrels within the next year, exceeding the amount drawn down and at no cost to taxpayers.

This announcement signifies a substantial intervention in energy markets. While the immediate impact is a reduction in oil supply, the commitment to replenish the reserve aims to mitigate long-term concerns. Regulated entities, particularly within the energy sector, should monitor the market implications of this large-scale release and the subsequent replenishment efforts. No specific compliance actions are mandated for external entities by this notice, but awareness of market shifts and potential price volatility is advised.

Source document (simplified)

United States to Release 172 Million Barrels of Oil From the Strategic Petroleum Reserve

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright released the following statement regarding the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR)

Energy.gov

March 11, 2026

WASHINGTON —U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright released the following statement regarding the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR):

“Earlier today, 32 member nations of the International Energy Agency unanimously agreed to President Trump’s request to lower energy prices with a coordinated release of 400 million barrels of oil and refined products from their respective reserves.

"As part of this effort, President Trump authorized the Department of Energy to release 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, beginning next week. This will take approximately 120 days to deliver based on planned discharge rates.

“President Trump promised to protect America’s energy security by managing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve responsibly and this action demonstrates his commitment to that promise. Unlike the previous administration, which left America’s oil reserves drained and damaged, the United States has arranged to more than replace these strategic reserves with approximately 200 million barrels within the next year—20% more barrels than will be drawn down—and at no cost to the taxpayer.

“For 47 years, Iran and its terrorist proxies have been intent on killing Americans. They have manipulated and threatened the energy security of America and its allies. Under President Trump, those days are coming to an end.

“Rest assured, America’s energy security is as strong as ever."

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- Petroleum Reserves