U.S. Releases Oil to Support Diesel Supply

The U.S. is taking emergency action to protect fuel supplies.

On October 23, 2026, the Department of Energy authorized the release of up to 400,000 barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

The oil will go to the Phillips 66 refinery in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The refinery has been experiencing temporary disruptions in crude oil deliveries.

The oil will come from the West Hackberry storage facility and is authorized for immediate delivery.

Phillips 66 must later return the borrowed oil, plus additional barrels, to the federal reserve.

!What This Means for CDL Drivers

The emergency supply is intended to help keep the refinery operating and maintain transportation fuel supplies in Louisiana and surrounding areas.

This could help prevent regional diesel shortages, but lower diesel prices at truck stops are not guaranteed.