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Trump is tapping America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve to fight rising gasoline prices. How much oil is left in it now?

A much-anticipated and record-breaking release of crude oil from the world’s emergency stockpiles is starting, as the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve is set to provide nearly half of the backup supplies.

Mar 12, 2026 &03471212202631; 15:47 UTC feeds.marketwatch.com Trending 4/5

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Neutral impact

Sentiment score: -15/100

Moderate impact Short-term (days)

WHAT THIS MEANS

The U.S. is releasing record amounts of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to combat rising gasoline prices, with America providing nearly half of the global emergency stockpile release. This supply injection aims to increase oil availability and potentially moderate fuel costs in the near term.

AI CONFIDENCE

72% High

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

↓

Oil (WTI Crude)

CL=FCommodity

Expected to decline

Increased crude oil supply from SPR release should pressure oil prices downward

↓

XLE

XLEStock

Expected to decline

Energy sector stocks may face headwinds from lower oil prices

⇅

Euro / US Dollar

EURUSDCurrency

High volatility expected

Lower oil prices could affect USD strength and energy-related currency dynamics

⇅

S&P 500

^GSPCIndex

High volatility expected

Mixed impact: positive for consumers and non-energy sectors, negative for energy stocks

PRICE HISTORY

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⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Consider shorting energy stocks (XLE) and crude oil (CL=F) in the short term due to increased supply pressure. Monitor SPR depletion levels as a longer-term risk factor for energy prices and geopolitical vulnerability.

KEY SIGNALS

Record SPR release signals government intervention in commodity marketsSupply increase should moderate gasoline price inflationPotential depletion of emergency reserves raises future energy security concernsShort-term bearish for oil and energy equities

SECTORS INVOLVED

EnergyConsumer DiscretionaryTransportationUtilities

Analysis generated on Mar 16, 2026 at 17:09 UTC

Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by artificial intelligence for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendation, or solicitation. Original reporting by MarketWatch. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Trump is tapping America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve to fight rising gasoline prices. How much oil is left in it now?

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