Could tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve lower gas prices? Here's what experts say.

March 11, 2026

TL;DR

Gas prices have risen approximately 20% due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route.
Tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) is considered an option to lower gas prices, but its impact may be limited.
The SPR is a national emergency oil stockpile designed to cushion supply shocks, created in response to the 1970s energy crisis.
The SPR has a capacity of up to 714 million barrels and currently holds 415 million barrels.
Previous uses of the SPR include the 1991 Gulf War, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the war in Libya in 2011, and a large release in 2022 to curb high gas prices.
Experts note that releasing oil from the SPR takes 13 days to reach the market and is intended for temporary disruptions, not prolonged conflicts.
Coordinated international releases from strategic reserves would likely have a greater impact on prices, but the G7 has not yet agreed to such a measure.
Reopening and securing the Strait of Hormuz is considered the most effective way to lower oil prices.

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