New Delhi, Aug. 16 -- As the United States and Iran remain locked in a stalemate amid stalled negotiations, experts are warning that Washington could risk damaging the underground caverns that store its strategic oil reserves. The warning comes as the US rapidly releases oil from its stockpiles to cushion the impact of the war with Iran, with inventories falling to a four-decade low.

Citing experts, CNBC reported on Saturday (local time) that responding to energy emergencies in the future could become more difficult if the caverns are damaged.

According to data released by the Department of Energy, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) has now fallen below 300 million barrels for the first time since it was filled in the early 1980s. To...