U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve Falls to Lowest Level Since 1982

Crude stocks in the U. S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve stood at 284. 6 million barrels for the week ending September 18, according to the Energy Information Administration, down from 285. 0 million the week before and 406. 0 million a year earlier.

Department of Energy data show the reserve fell further the following week, to 283. 8 million barrels, the lowest level since October 1982. The reserve has now set a new multi-decade low twice this year, first falling below 300 million barrels, and below its 1983 level, in early August.