March 11th, 2026 - U.S. Moves to Release 172 Million Barrels From Strategic Oil Reserve to Stabilize Energy Prices

The United States will release 172 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve over the next four months, beginning next week, according to the Energy Department. The move is part of a broader effort coordinated by the International Energy Agency, whose member nations are adding emergency supplies to global markets to stabilize energy prices amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

President Trump signaled the decision earlier in the day during a visit to Ohio, where he was promoting his economic agenda. Trump said the temporary release of oil reserves is designed to reduce pressure on energy markets and help bring down gasoline prices for American families. “We’ll reduce it a little bit, and that brings the prices down,” Trump said, adding that the reserves would later be replenished.

Despite the announcement, oil prices continued to climb, with Brent crude nearing $100 a barrel as global markets reacted to instability in the region. Gas prices in the United States have risen for eleven straight days, reaching an average of $3.58 per gallon, highlighting the broader economic impact of geopolitical tensions on energy costs.

Word of the Day (Merriam-Webster) - Besotted (adj, bih-SAH-tud) - Someone described as besotted is so in love that they are unable to think clearly; they are utterly infatuated. Besotted can also be used as a synonym of drunk.

Example: The opening scene of the movie follows a besotted couple at a party, the camera’s focus emphasizing their ignorance of all that’s around them.

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