In early June , the Department of Energy reported that the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) held only 349.2 million barrels—about one‑third of its 714‑million‑barrel design capacity—after a cumulative drawdown of roughly 172 million barrels since March.. The draw, the second‑largest emergency release in history, was launched by the Trump administration to curb soaring gas prices amid the war in Iran, which has choked the Strait of Hormuz.

Strait of Hormuz Disruption Drives SPR Drawdown

The conflict in Iran has cut off nearly 20 million barrels of crude per day that normally flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for about 20 percent of global oil demand. according to the source, the U.S. rerouted some supplies using the SPR, but the prolonged disruption has forced a near‑standstill in shipments. Representative August Pfluger (R‑TX) warned that a future blockade by a nuclear‑capable Iran could trigger an energy crisis far worse than the one experienced this year, underscoring the strategic necessity of a well‑stocked emergency buffer.

Historical Use of the SPR Highlights Rare but Critical Deployments

Historically, the SPR has been tapped only on a handful of occasions: during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and for Libyan supply interruptions in 2011. The most contentious draw occurred in 2022 under the Biden administration,which released roughly 180 million barrels to counter soaring fuel prices linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Critics argued the move was politically motivated and noted that the administration purchased only 59 million barrels, canceling a congressionally mandated sale of 140 millon barrels.

Congressional Sales and Budget Deficits Further Weaken the Reserve

Since 2015, Congress has authorized the sale of approximately 358.6 million barrels to help close budget deficits, further eroding the reserve’s stock. The source reports that the SPR now hovers near historic lows, with experts stressing that complacency from Congress and successive administrations could leave the United States vulnerable to future geopolitical upheavals and domestic price spikes.

Who Will Replenish the SPR and How Fast?

The source does not yet specify which administration or agency will lead a rapid refill effort, nor the timeline for restoring the reserve to its full 714‑million‑barrel capacity. Industry leaders warn that operating the reserve with less than 20 percent of its full volume jeopardizes its ability to respond swiftly to supply shocks and could translate into higher gasoline prices for consumers as inventories dwindle and domestic production fails to keep pace.