NEW YORK, September 29. /TASS/. The US Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) has depleted to its lowest level in 44 years, falling to 283.8 million barrels amid emergency crude releases aimed at stabilizing the market, Reuters reported, citing the Department of Energy (DOE).

In March, US President Donald Trump ordered the release of 172 million barrels from the emergency stockpile following Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the DOE, the minimum volume of crude oil required to maintain the reserve's operational safety is approximately 70 million barrels.

The ongoing deadlock in the Middle East has continued to pressure markets, pushing Brent crude futures for November 2026 delivery on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange above $107 per barrel.