The U.S. will release 172 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, a step aimed at easing energy costs as the Iran war continues to disrupt global oil supplies. Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed the decision on Wednesday evening, outlining the timeline for the emergency drawdown. The release is scheduled to begin next week, although the full distribution will take approximately 120 days to complete. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump had indicated that the administration would tap the reserve in order to keep a lid on energy prices during the escalating geopolitical tensions.
The move comes as fuel costs in the United States have surged amid supply disruptions tied to the conflict.
The drawdown of 172 million barrels will temporarily reduce oil stockpiles held in the nation’s emergency reserves, which currently total 415 million barrels. That figure represents about 58% of the authorized capacity of 714 million barrels. Trump has previously criticized former President Joe Biden for making use of the reserve during his administration.
Officials said the oil withdrawn from the reserve will eventually be replenished. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the Trump administration intends to replace the crude with 200 million barrels over the next year, and emphasized that the plan will come at no cost to the taxpayer. The release of 172 million barrels of oil is also part of a coordinated international response to market instability. The decision follows an agreement by the International Energy Agency to release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency stocks to counter supply disruptions affecting global markets.
The broader energy crisis stems from the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran on 28th February 2026, which has triggered a series of retaliatory actions and intensified regional tensions. Iran has responded with strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries hosting U.S. bases, while also blocking the normal flow of cargo shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. The disruption at the strategic waterway has added significant pressure to global energy markets, prompting coordinated action on a global scale.
