Trump orders release of 172 million barrels of oil from strategic reserve amid Iran war

Published March 11, 2026 8:07pm ET



The United States will release 172 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve at the request of President Donald Trump as part of a coordinated international effort aimed at stabilizing energy markets amid the war in Iran.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Wednesday that the drawdown follows an agreement among 32 member nations of the International Energy Agency to collectively release 400 million barrels of oil and refined products from their emergency reserves. 

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