The US Department of Energy has authorized the release of up to four million barrels of crude oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve to offset supply disruptions caused by Hurricane Isaias, Reuters reported on October 10.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said his department was acting swiftly through the emergency measure to maintain refinery operations and limit disruptions to fuel supplies.

Wright added that the release aimed to ensure American households and businesses continued to have access to affordable, reliable, and secure energy.

Hurricane Isaias disrupted operations in parts of the southeastern US, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding. The storm raised concerns over oil supply disruptions and the continuity of refinery operations.