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From the US to China and EU countries, strategic reserves are being used to cope with the supply crisis following tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Major countries around the world are activating strategic oil reserves to cope with global supply disruptions, while tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to affect energy markets.
According to Al Jazeera reporting, the 32 member countries of the International Energy Agency (IEA) have agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil, the highest level of coordinated intervention in history.
Strategic petroleum reserves are emergency storage facilities held by governments for use in times of crisis, such as conflict or economic shocks. According to the IEA, member countries hold over 1.2 billion barrels in public reserves, in addition to about 600 million barrels held by industry under state obligation.
China
China, although not a member of the IEA, is considered to have the largest reserves in the world. Official data is limited, but according to the firm Vortexa, onshore oil reserves reached about 1.13 billion barrels in 2025. The reserves are mainly concentrated in the eastern and southern coastal regions.
United States
The US holds about 415 million barrels in its Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), one of the largest among IEA countries. US authorities have announced the release of 172 million barrels this year. The reserve covers about 200 days of net oil imports.
Japan
Japan has about 470 million barrels of emergency reserves, enough for 254 days of consumption. Some of them are held by the government, while the rest is from the private sector and international agreements. Tokyo has already started releasing reserves to deal with the current crisis.
The United Kingdom
holds about 68 million barrels (crude oil and refined products), covering about 90 days of consumption. As part of the IEA plan, London will contribute 13.5 million barrels.
European Union
The main EU countries have significant reserves:
Germany: about 177 million barrels (oil and products)
France: about 120 million barrels
Spain: about 150 million barrels
Italy: about 76 million barrels
These reserves are designed to cover at least 90 days of net imports, in accordance with IEA requirements.
The use of strategic reserves is considered a key instrument for stabilizing markets, but experts emphasize that they only offer a short-term solution if supply disruptions continue.
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