finance
EIA Data: Global Strategic Oil Inventories by Country as of December 2025
The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimated worldwide strategic oil inventories at 2.5 billion barrels as of December 2025, with China holding the largest share. Amid rising oil prices from supply disruptions, the United States is releasing 172 million barrels from its reserves. The International Energy Agency coordinated a broader release of 400 million barrels in March 2026.
EI
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The report notes potential impacts from geopolitical events, such as tensions involving Iran, on global oil supply. The 32-nation International Energy Agency agreed to a broader release of 400 million barrels of oil in March 2026. The EIA plans to include its assessment of strategic inventories in its Short-Term Energy Outlook starting in May.
Strategic inventories function as reserves to mitigate risks from supply disruptions, price changes, and geopolitical developments. Differences in inventory sizes can influence international oil markets and diplomatic relations related to energy supply.
4 billion barrels as of December 2025, the EIA reported. The United States held the second-largest strategic oil inventory as of that date. Japan held the third-largest strategic oil inventory as of December 2025. 1 million barrels per day of oil to its strategic inventories in 2025.
Preliminary government data indicates China continued to build inventories in 2026 prior to the Iran crisis. The EIA assumes that both commercial and government-held crude oil inventories in China are part of strategic oil inventories. Other significant strategic inventories are held by countries in Europe that are part of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the Middle East, and Asia.
The three largest strategic oil inventories were held by China, the United States, and Japan as of December 2025.
It held about 409 million barrels as of April 10, 2026. U.S.
