The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell 5.3 million barrels in the last week and stands at 293.4 million barrels

The latest evidence covers the week that ended on August 7, 2026, with the figures published on August 10 or August 12. CNBC, Energy Factbook, The Hill, Quartz, and other outlets report that the SPR held 298.7 million barrels after losing 6.1 million barrels during the week.

These figures contradict both elements of the claim. The weekly reduction was 6.1 million barrels, not 5.3 million, and the reserve total was 298.7 million barrels, not 293.4 million. The reports also consistently state that the inventory dropped below 300 million barrels for the first time since January 1983.

Earlier Reuters coverage cited other weekly changes, including a decline of about 5.5 million barrels on June 29 and roughly 3 million barrels on July 13. Neither figure matches the claimed inventory or reporting period. A July 28 CNBC article also predates the newest data and placed the reserve near 308 million barrels after a weekly decrease of 3.7 million barrels.

The supplied sources do not indicate whether a later report, issued after August 7, revised the inventory to 293.4 million barrels. Based on the latest weekly information available in the evidence, however, the claim is contradicted.