Biden to release 15 million barrels from oil reserve, more possible

Biden to release 15 million barrels from oil reserve, more possible

Washington: President Joe Biden will announce the release of 15 million barrels of oil from the US strategic reserve on Wednesday as part of a response to recent production cuts announced by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) nations.

As per Washington Post, he will say more oil sales are possible this winter, as his administration rushes to be seen as pulling out all the stops ahead of next month's midterm elections. Biden will deliver remarks on Wednesday to announce the drawdown from the strategic reserve, senior administration officials said Tuesday on the condition of anonymity to outline Biden's plans.

It completes the release of 180 million barrels authorized by Biden in March that was initially supposed to occur over six months. That has sent the strategic reserve to its lowest level since 1984 in what the administration called a "bridge" until domestic production could be increased. The reserve now contains roughly 400 million barrels of oil, reported Washington Post.

Biden will also open the door to additional releases this winter in an effort to keep prices down. But administration officials would not detail how much the president would be willing to tap, nor how much they want domestic and production