The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has awarded contracts to purchase about one million barrels of crude oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). These contracts, announced on November 12, 2025, will supply oil to the Bryan Mound site between December 2025 and January 2026. The move comes after a Request for Proposal was issued on October 21, 2025.
The SPR currently holds just over 400 million barrels, though its full capacity is about 700 million barrels. According to the DOE, the reserve was reduced by a drawdown of 180 million barrels in 2022 under the previous administration. This drawdown led to costs nearing $280 million and caused delays in maintenance as well as increased wear on storage facilities.
"President Trump promised to protect America’s energy security by refilling and managing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve more responsibly," said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. "Awarding these contracts marks another step in the important process of refilling this national security asset. While this process won’t be complete overnight, these actions are an important step in strengthening our energy security and reversing the costly and irresponsible energy policies of the last administration."
The DOE reported receiving eighteen offers from six companies in response to its request and selected bids that met all quality standards at competitive prices. Oil deliveries are set for December 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026 at Bryan Mound.
More information about the SPR can be found at Infographic: Strategic Petroleum Reserve and Fact Sheet: Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
