Ignore the other answers to you - they're referring to refined products, not crude. Straight from the strategic reserve FAQ, crude oil doesn't really degrade i

Ignore the other answers to you - they're referring to refined products, not crude. Straight from the strategic reserve FAQ, crude oil doesn't really degrade if stored properly: https://www.energy.gov/ceser/spr-faqs#Q14 https://www.energy.gov/ceser/spr-faqs#Q14 Note that if it's not stored properly, it can degrade due to water intrusion and oxidation, and it can just evaporate.