America's Energy Safety Net Has Been Cut In Half

China holds the world's largest Strategic Petroleum Reserve with approximately 1.4 billion barrels, followed by the United States with roughly 360 million barrels. Before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. reserve stood near 700 million barrels, but large releases in response to geopolitical events, including the war in Ukraine and, more recently, tensions involving Iran, have significantly reduced its size. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve plays a critical role in stabilizing energy markets, supporting the economy during supply disruptions, and helping to limit inflationary pressures. However, the reserve is not an unlimited resource, and rebuilding it will likely become an important policy priority in the years ahead.