The US Department of Energy has launched the first auction as part of a gradual release of strategic oil reserves to mitigate the economic consequences of the war in the Middle East. The auction, aimed at oil companies, will cover 86 million barrels out of a total of 172 million to be released progressively. Under the terms of the agreement, companies must return the borrowed oil plus additional barrels. The goal is to strengthen strategic reserves and stabilise markets. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that the delivery of the full 172 million barrels will take approximately 120 days. President Donald Trump, who has previously criticised the Biden administration's use of the reserve, expressed confidence that market fluctuations due to the conflict in Iran will be short-lived. Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency has decided to release 400 million barrels collectively, and Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced that Portugal will make 10% of its strategic reserves available. Despite these measures, Brent crude prices rose on Friday, closing above $103 per barrel amid tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.