US crude oil imports fall to lowest level since February 2021

US crude oil imports declined to 4.95 million bpd in the week ended Dec. 26, 2025, the lowest level since February 2021

US crude oil imports fell to their lowest level in nearly five years during the past week, as companies sought to avoid paying year-end taxes on stored oil.

Data released on Wednesday by the Energy Information Administration showed US crude oil imports declined to 4.95 million barrels per day in the week ended Dec. 26, 2025, the lowest level since February 2021.

John Kilduff, Partner at Again Capital, told Reuters that capital taxes weighed on imports, as companies tended to delay adding crude oil and refined products to inventories by December-end.

US crude oil inventories declined due to lower imports and strong refining activity, according to the data, while gasoline and distillate inventories rose by more than expected.