World oil reserves are nearing their lowest level in eight years. They could fall short of 100 days’ worth of demand by the end of May, according to US bank Goldman Sachs.
As reported by the Reuters news agency on May 5, 2026, the bank noted that global oil inventories currently have around 101 days’ worth of demand and could further decline to 98 days’ worth of demand by the end of May (meaning inventories will not exceed the first day of September 2026). Data reflects accelerating inventory depletion.
To reflect the actual pace of consumption, instead of talking about millions of barrels, an indicator called “days of demand” is used. The number of days covered indicates how long stored oil would last if all new production ceased. The critical threshold is less than 90 days, a level we have not yet reached, but we are rapidly approaching..
This decline reflects the renewed conflict in the Middle East, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. This maritime corridor connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman is the route through which almost 20% of the world’s oil passes.
The conflict has escalated following a new attack by Iran on the oil fields of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the first since the extension of the ceasefire reported by CriptoNoticias. This was compounded by attacks on ships in the strait and fires at oil ports in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Meanwhile, yesterday, Monday, the US Central Command announced that it had destroyed six Iranian vessels that attempted to intercept commercial shipping.
As CriptoNoticias reports, oil prices are reflecting this tension, rising and falling to levels not seen since 2015.
goldman sachs Warns that speed of depletion of oil reserves is a cause for concern. “Although inventories have not yet reached minimum operating levels, the speed with which they are being depleted is becoming a concern, particularly in certain regions and the refined products sector,” the bank added.
In addition, global inventories of commercial refined products have fallen from about 50 days of demand before the conflict to about 45 days of demand now, according to Goldman Sachs. This reflects a significant correction in key markets where easily accessible reserves are being depleted.
Current oil reserves are approaching very low thresholds, increasing the risk of further instability if turmoil in the Middle East continues.
In the case of Bitcoin, oil price trends are particularly important due to the scarcity of oil and the associated price increases. Inflation will rise around the world. If this were to happen, the world’s central banks, primarily the US Federal Reserve, would have less incentive to cut interest rates. And as Cryptopedia (CriptoNoticias’ education section) explains, Bitcoin typically benefits from low interest rates.
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