With gas prices climbing and global energy markets facing new disruptions, President Donald Trump is taking a dramatic step aimed at helping stabilize costs for American families.
In coordination with other major energy-producing nations, the United States will release a historic amount of emergency oil reserves in an effort to boost supply and ease pressure on rising fuel prices.
The move comes as tensions in the Middle East continue to affect global oil markets and threaten key shipping routes used to transport crude oil around the world.
Trump Orders Massive Strategic Petroleum Reserve Release
President Trump confirmed Wednesday that 172 million barrels of oil will be released from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) — the largest emergency energy stockpile in the country.
The release is part of a broader coordinated action with members of the International Energy Agency (IEA), marking the largest joint emergency oil release in history.
Energy experts say the move is designed to increase global oil supply and help prevent even higher gasoline and energy prices for Americans.
This is the first time the Strategic Petroleum Reserve has been tapped since 2022, when the Biden administration ordered a temporary release after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
What Is the Strategic Petroleum Reserve?
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is America’s emergency oil supply, created after the energy crisis and oil embargoes of the 1970s.
Today, the SPR stores massive amounts of crude oil in secure underground salt caverns located along the Gulf Coast in Texas and Louisiana.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy:
- The reserve can hold up to 713.5 million barrels of oil
- The highest level ever recorded was 726.6 million barrels
- As of early March, the reserve holds more than 415 million barrels
That amount equals roughly 125 days of U.S. crude oil imports, providing a critical backup supply during major global disruptions.
Officials also note that the SPR is “drawdown ready,” meaning oil can begin reaching the market within 13 days of a presidential order.
Timeline for the Oil Release
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the 172-million-barrel release ordered by President Trump will likely take about 120 days to fully reach the market.
Even with the release, the administration says the nation’s long-term energy security will remain strong.
Wright explained that the United States has already arranged to replenish the reserve with approximately 200 million barrels within the next year — about 20 percent more oil than will be withdrawn.
That strategy allows the administration to address short-term energy price spikes while still maintaining a strong strategic reserve for the future.
Oil Prices Continue Climbing
Despite the emergency release announcement, oil prices remain elevated due to ongoing instability in the Middle East.
Global benchmark Brent crude oil briefly surged to $101.59 per barrel overnight, before easing slightly to around $100.44 Thursday morning.
Rising oil prices often translate into higher gasoline prices, airline costs, and increased shipping expenses, which can ultimately affect everyday household budgets.
However, President Trump has pointed out that strong oil prices can also benefit the American economy.
“The United States is the largest oil producer in the world, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money,” Trump wrote Thursday on Truth Social.
Americans Already Feeling Higher Gas Prices
For many Americans, the most visible impact of rising energy costs is felt at the gas pump.
According to AAA, the national average price for regular gasoline reached $3.598 per gallon Thursday, rising two cents in a single day and 34 cents over the past week.
Several states are already seeing significantly higher prices.
States where gas has surpassed $4 per gallon include:
- California
- Hawaii
- Washington
- Nevada
- Oregon
- Arizona
Alaska is also approaching that level, with an average price of $3.961 per gallon.
Energy Secretary Wright acknowledged Americans may face short-term increases in energy costs, but said the steps being taken are designed to address larger global supply problems.
A Key Tool to Fight Rising Energy Costs
Releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is one of the few actions a president can take quickly to help stabilize energy markets and combat inflation pressures tied to fuel costs.
By increasing the supply of crude oil available globally, the administration hopes to reduce volatility in oil prices and provide relief to American consumers.
With global tensions still impacting oil shipments and supply chains, energy markets remain unpredictable.
But officials say the historic release of emergency oil reserves is intended to protect American families, support energy stability, and keep the U.S. economy moving forward.