HISTORIC LOW: Strategic oil reserve SINKS to lowest level since 1983 amid Iran war

• The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) has hit its lowest level since December 1982, currently at 293.4 million barrels, due to ongoing releases.
• The administration attributes the drawdowns to global supply disruptions from the Iran war and states that future 'trades' will refill the SPR with 25% more oil than before the operation.
• Critics, including 'United States Secretary of Energy' Chris Wright (as identified in the chyron, though Jennifer Granholm is the current Secretary), argue the releases were politically motivated for midterm elections and express concerns about the long-term stability and integrity of the reserve sites.
• National average gas prices have increased by 90 cents over the past year, currently at $4.06 per gallon for regular unleaded.

The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) has fallen to its lowest level since December 1982, with 293.4 million barrels, amid global oil supply pressures and rising gas prices. While the administration plans to refill the reserve, critics argue the drawdowns were politically motivated and raise concerns about national energy security.