The SPR is at a 43-year low — but the viral chart starts after the fill-up

U.S. EIA

Stocks fell about 25% from March to July during the Iran-war release; the reserve last held this little oil while it was still being built in 1983.

The chart that circulated

The circulated 1990–2026 view; underlying data: U.S. EIA.

The complete EIA history

U.S. EIA monthly data through April 2026 and weekly data through July 17, 2026.