--- title: "US oil reserve nears lowest level since early 1980s" type: "News" locale: "en" url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/288484198.md" description: "The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) has dropped to 365 million barrels, its lowest level since 1983, following large-scale releases to curb oil price spikes. Meanwhile, U.S. crude exports to Asia reached record highs in May, offsetting Middle Eastern supply disruptions. Experts warn that refilling the SPR will take years, require congressional approval, and may further drive up prices." datetime: "2026-06-02T22:01:11.000Z" locales: - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/288484198.md) - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/288484198.md) - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/288484198.md) --- # US oil reserve nears lowest level since early 1980s Historic reserve drop: The SPR is now at 365 million barrels, nearing its lowest level since 1983 after large-scale releases to counter oil price spikes. Global supply backstop: U.S. crude exports to Asia hit record highs in May, replacing Middle Eastern supply cut by the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Refill challenges ahead: Experts warn replenishing the SPR could take years, require congressional action, and potentially push prices higher. ### Related Stocks - [BNO.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/BNO.US.md) - [SCO.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/SCO.US.md) - [UCO.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/UCO.US.md) - [OILK.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/OILK.US.md) - [DBO.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/DBO.US.md) - [USO.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/USO.US.md) ## Related News & Research - [Analysts warn of dual chokepoint threat to global oil flows](https://longbridge.com/en/news/289168254.md) - [Russia emerges as key beneficiary of Iran war oil shock](https://longbridge.com/en/news/289392662.md) - [Gaslighting the oil market - global oil inventories six weeks from operational minimums](https://longbridge.com/en/news/289394880.md) - [US tops global oil exports for third straight month](https://longbridge.com/en/news/289438794.md) - [Cotton Falling Lower at Midday, with Oil a Pressure Factor](https://longbridge.com/en/news/289219465.md)