Norway Stands Firm: U.S. Navy Fuel Supply to Continue Despite Boycott Threat

Norway has firmly stated that it will continue supplying fuel to U.S. Navy ships, brushing aside threats made by a private Norwegian marine fuel supplier to boycott the U.S. Navy.

Defense Minister Tore Sandvik addressed the matter Sunday, clarifying, "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." Reuters reported his statement, which reflects Norway’s commitment to its NATO obligations.

The controversy began when Haltbakk Bunkers, a privately owned Norwegian fuel supplier, announced on social media that it would cease supplying the U.S. Navy. The company’s dramatic move came as a response to escalating tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine, catalyzed by a heated exchange in the Oval Office between President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Vice President JD Vance.

In a now-deleted Facebook post, Haltbakk Bunkers declared, "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!"

The company’s CEO, Gunnar Gran, later confirmed to Norwegian newspaper VG that their decision to boycott the U.S. military was largely symbolic, as Haltbakk Bunkers does not hold any formal contracts with the U.S. government. Talk about making a grand gesture with minimal impact.

The Oval Office drama that sparked the boycott threat was something out of a political soap opera. Vice President Vance accused Zelenskyy of being "disrespectful" to Trump during their meeting, criticizing Ukraine's handling of its military conscripts. Zelenskyy, in turn, warned that the U.S. "would feel the war in the future," prompting a sharp retort from Trump: "Don't tell us what we're going to feel. We're trying to solve a problem."

While the public spat raised eyebrows about U.S.-Ukraine relations and Trump’s rapport with European allies, Norway was quick to reaffirm its support for the U.S. military. "American forces will continue to receive the supply and support they require from Norway," Sandvik emphasized.

Despite the political theatrics and Haltbakk Bunkers' symbolic boycott, Norway’s stance underscores its unwavering commitment to its NATO obligations. It seems not every storm in international diplomacy ends with a fuel shortage.