Decision notes · EIA
US crude stocks: what the change means for procurement
Published
For: Crude buyers and refinery planners
What changed: EIA US commercial crude stocks excluding SPR moved from 412.517 million barrels on 2026-10-16 to 410.625 on 2026-10-23; calculated change: -1.892 million barrels.
Decision implication: The national stock cushion is smaller. This does not establish whether a suitable cargo is available at your delivery hub on the required date.
Still needed: Regional stocks, refinery flows, grade suitability and a valid cargo and delivery offer.
Next step: Check the hub and grade behind your requirement, then compare a confirmed delivery option with a workable alternative.
Two dated national stock observations, not a cargo quotation, local shortage assessment or price forecast.
Original source & Scope
Prepared from the dated official observations shown below. Arithmetic and conditional commentary are by CURRENT & PASSAGE; this note does not refresh another assessment.
- Observation period
- 2026-10-16 / 2026-10-23
- Source publication
- 2026-10-28
- Evidence retrieved
- 2026-10-28T19:28:35.819Z
- Unit
- million barrels
- Source revision
- aaa8ead4b8cb58f5b94161a647fbf98d476ee76cf71e98ac691bad58d1ef242e