U.S. Department of Energy chief spokesman Andrew Beck said Citgo decided it didn't need the reserves oil because Louisiana's Calcasieu Channel had been partially re-opened since Hurricane Gustav hit the region this week. The channel's reopening means Citgo will be able to supply its Lake Charles refinery, Beck said.

However, he said the department has now received a formal request from Marathon Petroleum Co.'s Robinson and Catlettsburg refineries for oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve because of disruptions in supply caused by Gustav. The department is reviewing Marathon's request, he said. The amount sought wasn't disclosed.