Its foreign reserves grew by $47 billion in the first half of 2004, hitting a total of $471 billion.
But even as the reserve grows larger - 22.3 million barrels were added in the last year - the protection it offers shrinks.
The excess reserve grew out of the 1986 overhaul of Federal tax law.
Between 2001 and 2006, according to the census, the reserve grew by 0.2%, or 2 people.
The reserve is not growing despite rising demand; indeed, it has shrunk several times after Congress voted to sell oil to help balance the budget.
As imports grew, reserves should grow as well to maintain the ratio.
Meanwhile, the reserves will grow accustomed to battle and if the Russians break through, they will then fight.
But a certain reserve had grown up between them and she let his explanation pass.
As new technologies for natural gas production are discovered, the world's ultimate reserves can grow.
Its reserves will grow by one-third, to 3,600 billion cubic feet.