Trump Administration To Require Major Oil Companies To Purchase In Effort To Replenish Reserves Biden Depleted

DOE Moves to Replenish Strategic Petroleum Reserve

The Department of Energy (DOE) announced plans on Wednesday to purchase 1 million barrels of crude oil as part of its effort to replenish the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).

The agency mentioned that it would go with “the most competitive bid that met all quality and specification requirements.” This sourcing decision is tied to an earlier solicitation for crude oil that was issued on October 21st. The Biden administration is prioritizing the replenishment of the SPR, especially as rising gas prices could pose significant political challenges before the midterm elections.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “President Trump has committed to protecting America’s energy security by replenishing and managing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve more responsibly.” While he acknowledged that restoring the reserve is a gradual process, he emphasized that the actions taken represent positive steps toward enhancing energy security and addressing the previous administration’s “costly and irresponsible” policies.

During Biden’s term, efforts to refill these reserves reached a standstill as the SPR hit its limits. The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas noted that levels had dropped to their lowest since 1983, a significant concern amid rising global oil prices.

The DOE also criticized the prior administration’s approach, pointing out that the withdrawal of 180 million barrels in 2022 came at considerable cost, leading to delayed maintenance and strain on storage facilities. Some experts have warned that depleting reserves could leave the U.S. in a precarious position. For instance, Biden wasn’t able to resume replenishment in April 2024, even when market prices were notably high.

According to the DOE, the contracts signed on November 12, 2025, will facilitate delivery to the Bryan Mound site from December 2025 to January 2026. Presently, the SPR has just over 400 million barrels of production capacity out of a possible 700 million.