U.S. strategic oil reserves have hit a 40-year low, falling below 300 million barrels for the first time since the 1980s. These reserves are stored in 60 underground salt caverns across Texas and Louisiana with a total capacity of 714 million barrels. The level is expected to drop to 243 million barrels following the release of 172 million barrels to address supply disruptions from the Iran war. Engineering experts warn that structural damage to the caverns becomes a real risk when inventory falls below 300 million barrels, as the facilities were designed for only five drawdowns but have endured dozens. The GAO reported that each drawdown cycle expands cavern volume and reduces spacing between caverns, ultimately threatening their long-term viability.
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