Norway Faces Critical Supply Vulnerabilities in Fuel, Food, and Infrastructure, Report Finds

Oslo, Norway – A new report from the Norwegian Defence Research Institute (FFI) has revealed significant vulnerabilities in Norway’s security of supply, particularly concerning fuel, food, and transport infrastructure. The findings, presented to Minister of Industry Cecilie Myrseth on Thursday, highlight the nation’s dependence on imports and the potential for disruption during crises or wartime.

Fuel Supply: A Critical Weakness

The report identifies fuel as the most critical vulnerability for Norway. The country relies heavily on imported diesel, marine gas oil, and aviation fuel, with only one domestic refiner. “What is most critical for Norway and Norwegian security is actually fuel,” stated Gunn Alice Birkemo, chief researcher at FFI, to NRK. “The fact that we don’t have as much fuel for aircraft and diesel in stock, which we might demand in war, means that we get support from allied forces who will operate from Norway and utilize Norwegian fuel.” The gap between peacetime fuel volumes and potential wartime needs is a major concern.

Infrastructure and Transport Vulnerabilities

Beyond fuel, the report emphasizes the vulnerability of Norway’s distribution networks and transport infrastructure, especially in Northern Norway. “There is a lot of vulnerable transport infrastructure in Norway, especially in the north where we think that military operations may be relevant,” Birkemo explained. FFI describes Norway’s transport capacity as a “critical vulnerability,” citing limited transport axes and a lack of transport options in the north, compounded by potential simultaneous military deployments.

Food Security Concerns

The report also points to vulnerabilities in Norway’s food supply. The nation is dependent on imported food inputs and labor, which cannot be quickly replaced. Increasing the emergency food stock target from three to six months is recommended to mitigate this risk.

Energy and Digital Infrastructure Interdependence

FFI’s research highlights the interconnectedness of energy and digital infrastructure, both considered system-critical. The increasing electrification of society further exacerbates this vulnerability, as demonstrated by the prioritization of power supply as a target in conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine.

FFI Recommendations for Strengthening Security of Supply

Based on its findings, FFI recommends 15 priority measures, including:

• Establishing emergency storage for food and fuel and essential inputs.
• Increasing and diversifying national production capacity.
• Strengthening transport infrastructure and emergency power capacity.
• Establishing clearer mechanisms for prioritizing civilian and military needs.
• Strengthening digital security and international cooperation, particularly with the EU and Nordic countries.

The report stresses the need for close cooperation between government authorities and businesses in implementing these measures.

Political Reactions and Calls for Action

Minister of Industry Cecilie Myrseth acknowledged the importance of strengthening security of supply in a more insecure world, emphasizing the existing strong cooperation between the government and the business sector.

Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, leader of the Centre Party, advocated for establishing emergency fuel stocks, suggesting subsidies for commercial players to maintain larger reserves. He also called for increased state support for domestic food production, particularly in Northern Norway, to ensure the viability of dairy, butchery, and milling industries.

Erlend Svardal Bøe, a parliamentary representative for Høgre, criticized the slow pace of military build-up and the lack of integration between military and civilian planning. He called for increased investment in transport projects in Northern Norway.

Per-Willy Amundsen, head of the Storting’s control and constitution committee, expressed that the report’s findings were unsurprising, given previous discussions on the topic, and questioned the lack of progress in addressing these vulnerabilities since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine four years ago.

Published: March 5, 2026, 13:17

Updated: March 5, 2026, 18:26