Cushing, Oklahoma, the key U.S. crude oil delivery hub, is experiencing a significant inventory shortage as global energy supplies are disrupted by ongoing Middle East conflicts. Current inventories at Cushing have dropped to 21.6 million barrels, nearing the operational warning line of 20 million barrels, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This is a critical concern for the international crude oil market, as Cushing serves as the delivery point for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures and is a major distribution center in the United States. Normally, Cushing's storage capacity ranges from 40 to 75 million barrels.