What type of crude oil is stored in the Reserve?
During the 34 years that the Strategic Petroleum Reserve has existed, crude oil has been acquired from 25 countries. The oil is categorized as either “sweet” (with a sulfur content not exceeding 0.5 percent by weight) or “sour” (with a sulfur content greater than 0.5 percent but less than 2.0 percent). The SPR accepts only crude oil that meets its quality specifications and it is co-mingled in caverns designated as either sweet or sour.
