US Authorizes Release of Up to 4 Million Barrels From Strategic Petroleum Reserve

The US Department of Energy has authorized the release of as much as four million barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, according to a Reuters report cited by Egypt Oil & Gas on October 10. The emergency action is intended to counter supply disruptions tied to Hurricane Isaias. The release is capped at four million barrels.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the department was moving quickly through the emergency measure. He said the aim was to maintain refinery operations and reduce interruptions to fuel supplies. Wright also said the release was meant to help ensure American households and businesses keep access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy.

Hurricane Isaias disrupted operations in parts of the southeastern United States. The storm brought strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding to the region. It also raised concerns about potential oil supply disruptions and whether refinery operations could continue without interruption.

The authorization uses the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to address possible fuel supply gaps. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is the US emergency stockpile of crude oil. The measure is intended to limit the storm's impact on fuel supplies.