Fuel stocks and strategic reserves

Stockpiles, tanks and underground stores of oil, gas and coal, including national reserves.

Storage · Chemical · No. 88

• Storage
• Duration: Months to years

In 2026 nations made the biggest emergency oil release in IEA history, leaving America's reserve at its lowest since 1982.

Chart: Illustration: Fuel stocks and strategic reserves

Where it comes from

Chart: Map of where it comes from

Oil sits in caverns washed out of salt domes or cut into rock, and gas is pumped into old fields; Europe's gas stores hold about 1,100 TWh.

Three things to know

1. The US reserve can hold 714 million barrels but was only about 40% full in October 2026 (calculated).
2. From a US presidential decision, it takes about 13 days for reserve oil to reach the market.
3. Flows through the Strait of Hormuz fell from about 20 to 2.7 million barrels a day (March to May 2026 average).

The journey

1. 1 Fossil supplyCrude, refined products, gas and coal
2. 2 StorageSalt caverns, rock caverns, tanks, depleted fields
3. 3 HoldingKept for months or years as insurance
4. 4 DrawdownPumps, pipelines and terminals release stock
5. 5 MarketCalms prices and shortages in shocks

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