US Starts Emergency Release of 86 Million Barrels from Strategic Oil Reserve

The United States began an emergency release of 86 million barrels of crude oil from its strategic reserves as part of a broader plan to inject supplies into global markets amid surging energy prices tied to escalating geopolitical tensions.

The move, announced by the U.S. Department of Energy, forms the first phase of a larger program to release 172 million barrels from the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve over the coming months.

According to the department, shipments of crude oil are expected to begin reaching markets by the end of next week, with the full withdrawal process projected to take roughly four months to complete.

The emergency release is part of a broader international effort aimed at stabilizing energy markets and easing rising prices for crude oil, gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.

Global energy markets have been under intense pressure following the escalation of hostilities involving the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other, which has disrupted shipping routes through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes through the strait, making any disruption a major risk to global energy markets.

Officials said the U.S. release is part of a wider coordinated effort with other countries that could collectively reach 400 million barrels of oil aimed at calming markets and preventing further price spikes.

Energy prices have surged since the outbreak of the conflict, with benchmark oil prices climbing above the $100-per-barrel mark in recent trading sessions.

Under the terms of the program, companies that receive crude from the reserve will borrow the oil and later return it to the government with additional volumes as a premium.

The Department of Energy said companies have until March 17 to submit bids for participation in the exchange program.

The release also comes amid growing political pressure on Donald Trump to curb rising fuel costs ahead of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections scheduled for November.

Earlier this week, the Energy Department said the administration has arranged plans to replenish the reserve with approximately 200 million barrels of crude oil over the next year, around 20% more than the amount expected to be withdrawn, to ensure the long-term strength of the emergency stockpile.

The Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the largest emergency oil reserve in the world, is designed to protect the United States from severe supply disruptions and to help stabilize global energy markets during periods of crisis.