Have any presidents released the oil reserve in past money crunches?

Yes, many have (add Clinton and W to the list) but that is usually not a good idea as the intent is to have several months supply if all imports are cut off (ie, a savings account). However, with oil prices so high, selling some now and buying more later when prices are much lower makes sense. One main reason that this has not been done is that refineries are at full capacity so increasing supply will not much affect gasoline prices. Only increasing domestic oil vs imported oil (a long term thing whereas using the oil reserve is short term) and stabilized prices (which ends most speculation since they make money on both positive and negative changes but not stability) which requires a stable Iraq will do this. Current oil prices are a bubble and it will burst and people will be amazed at how low it will go when it happens (however, long term, prices will be rising faster then inflation).Have any presidents released the oil reserve in past money crunches?
Yes, George Bush senior released some during 1990 while the first gulf war was going on.Have any presidents released the oil reserve in past money crunches?
Yes Carter dumped some of the strategic reserve in 1978.