The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday edition that the United States Strategic Petroleum Reserve is at its lowest level since 1982, holding just 289.7 million barrels. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe reports that the level will drop to about 243 million if Mr. Trump releases a final batch of 39 million barrels from a March agreement with the International Energy Agency. More than 30 countries agreed then to release a record 400 million barrels, with the U.S. contributing 172 million, in an effort to calm markets. Oil in the caverns float on top of water. The water level rises as more oil is released, which can damage cavern walls and pipes and pumps that draw out the crude. A Department of Energy source said the minimum operating level is 70 million barrels. While the absolute physical floor for the SPR is 70 million barrels, the practical minimum level for safe operations is close to 250 million barrels. President Donald Trump said on Sunday the U.S. will refill the SPR using Venezuelan oil, but that won't happen quickly. Washington is expected to reach a deal with Caracas this week aimed at reviving Venezuela's oil industry, that could give the U.S. control of a fifth of its vast proved crude reserves.