Trump Administration Reportedly Weighs Oil Drilling Beneath Army Bases

(MENAFN) The administration of US President Donald Trump is reportedly exploring the possibility of extracting oil from beneath military installations as part of efforts to rebuild the country’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), according to reports.

The SPR, established in the 1970s, serves as an emergency oil reserve intended to help stabilize energy markets during supply disruptions and price shocks.

The discussions come as global oil prices remain elevated following tensions involving Iran and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route that previously handled a significant share of global crude shipments. Fuel prices in the United States have also risen sharply, with average gasoline costs reportedly reaching levels not seen in several years.

According to reports citing unnamed sources, officials are considering what they describe as “innovative” approaches to replenishing national reserves, including utilizing land controlled by the Department of Defense for energy production.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright previously suggested that large untapped oil resources may exist beneath certain federally owned military sites located in active oil-producing regions. He argued that leaving such reserves undeveloped while seeking ways to refill emergency stockpiles made little strategic sense.

“We have military bases or facilities that are in the middle of oil fields, but there’s no development under those resources. That’s crazy. It’s right there,” he said.

“We need creative ways to fill the strategic petroleum reserve all the way up,” Wright added.

Analysts cited by reports noted that drilling beneath military bases would likely not produce an immediate effect on fuel prices. However, the approach could potentially allow the US government to directly acquire oil for emergency reserves rather than purchasing it from private energy producers.

MENAFN10052026000045017281ID1111092637