when does the strategic reserve run out

The most direct answer is: reports published in mid-to-late June 2026 said the strategic oil reserve would run out in about four weeks if the Strait of Hormuz stayed effectively closed, which would put the danger point around mid-July 2026.

What the reports said

• One report quoted Trump saying reserves were down to about four weeks.

• Another report said the U.S. emergency oil reserve had fallen to its lowest level since 1983 and was being drained by close to 9 million barrels a week.

• A separate piece said analysts expected the system to hit a “danger zone” in July.

Why the timing is uncertain

This estimate depends on the pace of withdrawals and whether disrupted oil flows recover.

Some reporting also suggests the broader market could take until early 2027 to fully normalize even if flows improve sooner.

Plain-English takeaway

So, based on the latest reporting, the answer is roughly four weeks from the June 2026 reports , with July 2026 as the likely stress point.