Interior Department reports ‘significant increase’ in hydrocarbon reserves in US Gulf of Mexico
The US Department of the Interior has announced what it describes as a “significant increase” in estimated oil and gas reserves in the US Gulf of Mexico’s Outer Continental Shelf, underscoring the region’s critical role in advancing US national security and “American Energy Dominance.”
Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) analysis reveals an additional 1.30 billion barrels of oil equivalent since 2021, bringing the total reserve estimate to 7.04 billion barrels of oil equivalent. This includes 5.77 billion barrels of oil and 7.15 trillion cubic feet of natural gas—a 22.6% increase in remaining recoverable reserves.
“This new data confirms what we’ve known all along—America is sitting on a treasure trove of energy, and under President Trump’s leadership, we’re unlocking it,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “The Gulf of America is a powerhouse, and by streamlining permitting and expanding access, we’re not just powering our economy—we’re strengthening our national security and putting thousands of Americans back to work.”
BOEM’s updated assessment evaluated over 140 oil and gas fields, identifying 18 new discoveries and analyzing more than 37,000 reservoirs across 1,336 fields in the Gulf. The agency said that this “comprehensive review” added 4.39 billion barrels of oil equivalent in original reserves. After subtracting production of 3.09 billion barrels of oil equivalent since 2020–2021, “the net increase reflects continued opportunity and momentum in offshore development,” BOEM said.
“The Gulf of America is delivering 14% of the nation’s oil,” said Dr. James Kendall, BOEM Gulf of America Regional Director. “These updated estimates reaffirm the Gulf’s vital role in ensuring a reliable, affordable domestic energy supply.”
Earlier this year, the Trump administration reaffirmed its commitment to expanding offshore energy. On April 4, 2025, Secretary Doug Burgum directed BOEM to move forward with an oil and gas lease sale in the Gulf. BOEM says that it anticipates publishing a proposed notice of Lease Sale 262 in June 2025.
The BOEM statement also said: “Opening the Outer Continental Shelf is a core component of the administration’s strategy to achieve Energy Dominance. Expanded leasing is projected to create tens of thousands of jobs across exploration, production, logistics and supply chains — revitalizing coastal economies and fueling American innovation.”
