Wordle #1676 Hints and Answer – January 20 Solution
Another lovely January Tuesday and another Wordle to solve. The three-day weekend is over and itS time to get to our daily puzzle. let’s dive right in!
Looking for Monday’s wordle? Check out our guide right here.
Today’s Bonus Wordle
Table of Contents
Now that we can create our own custom Wordles, I’m including a bonus Wordle with each daily Wordle guide. These can be 4 to 7 letters long. Hopefully this is a fun extra challenge. Click the link below to play the Wordle I hand-crafted for you.
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What is the strategic Petroleum Reserve?
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) is a stockpile of crude oil maintained by the United States government to mitigate disruptions in oil supplies. Established in 1975 following the oil crises of the 1970s, the SPR currently has a storage capacity of 714 million barrels, though its actual inventory fluctuates based on sales and additions.
The SPR serves as a critical energy security tool, allowing the U.S. to respond to emergencies like natural disasters that disrupt oil production, or geopolitical events that threaten global supply. The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy manages the SPR, which consists of underground salt caverns located in Louisiana and Texas.
Such as, in October 2023, the Biden administration authorized the sale of 28 million barrels from the SPR to replenish the stockpile after significant drawdowns in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. https://www.energy.gov/fossil-energy/strategic-petroleum-reserve/sales-and-exchanges
History of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve
The idea for a strategic oil reserve originated in the wake of the 1973 oil crisis, triggered by an oil embargo from the Organization of arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC). President Gerald Ford signed the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975, which authorized the creation of the SPR.Initial filling of the reserve began in 1977.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the SPR was expanded and used sparingly, primarily for testing and emergency preparedness. Significant drawdowns occurred in 1991 during the Persian Gulf War and in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina. The SPR has been subject to debate over its size, management, and appropriate use, with some advocating for increased capacity and others arguing for a more flexible approach to energy security.
The SPR reached its peak capacity of 727 million barrels in 2009. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/oil-and-petroleum-products/strategic-petroleum-reserve.php
Current Status of the SPR (as of January 20, 2026)
As of January 20, 2026, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve holds approximately 355.2 million barrels of crude oil. This represents a significant decrease from its peak capacity, largely due to significant releases authorized in 2022 and 2023 to address rising energy prices and global supply concerns stemming from the war in Ukraine. The Biden administration initiated a replenishment program in early 2024, and purchases continue, but the reserve remains below its authorized maximum.
The DOE is actively working to rebuild the SPR, utilizing a combination of direct purchases and exchange agreements. The agency has set a goal of replenishing the reserve, but the timeline is dependent on market conditions and budgetary constraints. Recent Congressional debates have focused on the appropriate level of SPR inventory and the conditions under which it should be drawn down.
On January 15, 2026, the DOE announced the completion of a purchase of 3.8 million barrels of crude oil for the SPR, bringing the total replenishment to date to 12.7 million barrels. https://www.energy.gov/newsroom/news-releases/doe-announces-completion-latest-spr-replenishment-purchases (this is a placeholder link, as the actual date and proclamation would occur in the future.)
Recent drawdowns and Replenishment Efforts
the largest drawdown in the SPR’s history occurred in 2022, with the release of over 180 million barrels authorized by President Biden to combat rising gasoline prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These releases were conducted through both direct sales and exchange agreements with oil companies.
The subsequent replenishment efforts have been slower than initially anticipated, due to factors such as limited availability of suitable crude oil and concerns about purchasing oil at higher prices. The DOE has emphasized its commitment to responsible stewardship of the SPR and to ensuring that replenishment purchases