By THE ALASKA STORY
March 12, 2026 – US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright announced that the United States will release oil from the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve as part of a coordinated international effort aimed at lowering global energy prices.
According to Wright, 32 member nations of the International Energy Agency unanimously agreed to President Donald Trump’s request to conduct a joint release of oil and refined products from their national reserves. In total, participating countries plan to release 400 million barrels into global markets.
As part of the coordinated action, Trump authorized the Department of Energy to release 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) beginning next week. The release is expected to take about 120 days to complete based on current discharge rates from the reserve.
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve, maintained by the federal government, is the world’s largest emergency stockpile of crude oil and is intended to help stabilize markets and protect national security during supply disruptions.
Wright said the action aligns with the administration’s broader energy strategy and emphasized that the release will be accompanied by plans to replenish the reserve.
“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,” Wright said in a statement.
He also contrasted the move with previous energy policies, stating that the United States plans to replace more oil than it releases from the reserve.
“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 percent more barrels than will be drawn down—and at no cost to the taxpayer,” Wright said.
The coordinated release comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and concerns about energy supply disruptions tied to conflicts involving Iran and its regional allies. Wright said the administration believes the move will help stabilize markets and counter attempts to manipulate global energy supplies.
“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,” Wright said. “Under President Trump, those days are coming to an end.”
He concluded by asserting that the country’s energy posture remains secure despite the planned drawdown.
“Rest assured, America’s energy security is as strong as ever,” Wright said.
The International Energy Agency has previously coordinated similar reserve releases during major supply disruptions, including during global energy shocks and geopolitical crises affecting oil markets. The new agreement among its member nations represents one of the larger coordinated releases in the organization’s history.
One thought on “US to release 172 million barrels of oil from Strategic Petroleum Reserve”
That March 4th column didn’t age well. I thought Chris Wright was a good pick. But seriously anyone have a link to where he explains how he is going to put 20% more oil back within the next year at no cost to taxpayers. He has around 240 days since we will be drawing down for the next 120 days. Biden can be blamed for drawing the reserve down. But during his term it really was not a market for buying oil. If Trump was planning to start a war in the middle east why did he not start filling it. Why didn’t he stick those 80 million barrels of Venezuelan oil in the reserve?