Norway to continue fueling U.S. navy ships despite private boycott call

Norway’s government has affirmed that it will continue to supply fuel for U.S. Navy vessels, dismissing recent calls from a private marine fuel supplier to halt deliveries amid tensions linked to U.S.-Ukrainian relations.

Norwegian Defence Minister Tore Sandvik issued a statement on Sunday, saying, “We have seen reports raising concerns about support for U.S. Navy vessels in Norway. This is not in line with the Norwegian government's policy. American forces will continue to receive the supply and support they require from Norway.”

The government’s announcement came after privately held fuel supplier Haltbakk Bunkers posted a controversial message on social media calling for a boycott of fueling U.S. military ships. The now-deleted Facebook post criticized the treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at a recent White House event, stating, “Huge credit to the president of Ukraine restraining himself and for keeping calm even though USA put on a backstabbing TV show. It made us sick... No Fuel to Americans!”

Haltbakk Bunkers CEO Gunnar Gran confirmed to Norwegian newspaper VG that the company had decided not to supply U.S. military vessels, noting that the move was largely symbolic as the company did not hold a fixed contract for such services.

In a climate of ongoing international scrutiny and geopolitical sensitivity, Norway’s Defence Ministry reiterated its commitment to maintaining essential support for NATO allies, emphasizing that the decision to continue fueling U.S. Navy ships is aligned with official government policy.

The fuel supplier did not immediately respond to requests for further comment. Norwegian authorities maintain that strategic defense commitments and contractual obligations will remain unchanged, despite individual expressions of dissent from private companies.

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