The US oil reserve: Facts and figures

The reserve is contained in four sites in salt caverns along the Texas and Louisiana coast that hold emergency supplies of crude oil. The president can tap the reserve when confronted with a disruption in oil supplies that threatens the economy.

Current inventory: 687.5 million barrels

Highest inventory: 700.7 million barrels in late August 2005

Current storage capacity: 727 million barrels

Average price paid for oil in the reserve: $27.73 per barrel

Current price for oil: $72.76 per barrel

Past sales for energy emergencies: In 2005, 11 million barrels for Hurricane Katrina. In 1990 and 1991, 21 million barrels for the Gulf War.

SOURCE: Department of Energy

Kathleen Hennrikus/Globe Staff