U.S. SPR likely to plunge to fresh multidecade lows
U.S. CPI data to be released, economists expect further rate hikes
OPEC monthly report due later on Tuesday

LONDON, Feb 14 Reuters Oil prices dipped on Tuesday after the U.S. government said it would release more crude from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve, while traders look out for U.S. inflation data for further queues.

Brent crude futures fell 80 cents, or 0.9, to 85.81 per barrel by 1003 GMT, while U.S. crude futures fell 1.05, or 1.3, to 79.09 per barrel. Both benchmarks are on track for their biggest daily percentage drop since Feb. 3.

The U.S. Department of Energy DOE said it would sell 26 million barrels of oil from the SPR, which is already at its lowest level since 1983.

The DOE had considered cancelling the fiscal year 2023 sale after U.S. President Joe Biden39;s administration last year sold a record 180 million barrels from the reserve. But that would have required Congress to act to change the mandate.

Supply concerns also eased after the Energy Information Administration said it expected record March production from the seven biggest U.S. shale basins.

Elsewhere, crude exports resumed at a key Turkish port after a devastating earthquake rocked the region.

Monthly reports from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries OPEC are expected later on Tuesday and from the International Energy Agency IEA on Wednesday.

Traders will also be looking for clues from Tuesday39;s crucial U.S….