A Norwegian fuel supplier has halted deliveries to the U.S. Navy over President Trump’s treatment of Ukraine’s leader, but Norway’s government quickly stepped in to ensure military fuel supplies will continue uninterrupted.
Key Takeaways
- Norwegian company Haltbakk Bunkers announced it will cease fuel deliveries to the U.S. Navy until President Trump is no longer in office, citing the recent Trump-Zelensky dispute.
- Despite the private company’s boycott, Norway’s Defense Ministry has confirmed that U.S. forces will continue to receive necessary fuel supplies from Norway.
- The boycott followed a contentious Oval Office exchange involving Trump, Ukrainian President Zelensky, and Vice President JD Vance.
- Haltbakk Bunkers, which supplied 3 million liters of fuel to U.S. warships in 2024, employs many Ukrainian workers and took this stance to show support for Ukraine.
- Norway, a NATO ally, recently joined other Nordic countries in announcing additional aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
Private Fuel Supplier Takes Stand Against Trump Administration
Norwegian fuel supplier Haltbakk Bunkers has announced its decision to halt all fuel deliveries to the U.S. Navy until President Donald Trump is no longer in office. The company’s dramatic stance comes in direct response to a recent public dispute between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The fuel supplier noted that it employs many Ukrainian workers and wanted to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine following the White House incident between President Trump, Vice President JD Vance and President Zelensky, leading to the Ukrainian leader’s early departure from the meeting.
The company did not mince words in their public denouncement, taking to Facebook to call the White House incident a “sh*tshow” while expressing firm support for Zelensky. Haltbakk Bunkers reportedly supplied 3 million liters of fuel to American warships in 2024 alone and stated they are making this move as a demonstration of solidarity with Ukraine during its ongoing conflict with Russia.
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The major Norwegian marine fuel company Haltbakk Bunkers has halted fuel supplies to U.S. Navy ships and called on other companies to follow its lead. pic.twitter.com/dIYElQLLA4
— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) March 1, 2025
Norwegian Government Reaffirms U.S. Military Support
Despite the private company’s boycott, Norway’s government has swiftly clarified its official position on the matter. Defense Minister Tore Sandvik unequivocally stated that the boycott does not align with the Norwegian government’s policy toward its American allies. “The U.S. and Norway maintain a close and strong defense cooperation. American forces will continue to receive the supply and support they require from Norway,” Sandvik said.
This prompt clarification from Norwegian officials highlights the importance the NATO member places on maintaining strong defense ties with the United States, even amid political controversies. The government’s position effectively ensures that U.S. naval operations requiring Norwegian port services will not be disrupted, despite the private sector protest.
Symbolic Protest With Limited Impact
While Haltbakk Bunkers’ announcement garnered significant media attention, the company’s CEO, Gunnar Gran, has acknowledged the largely symbolic nature of their boycott. The fuel supplier does not maintain a fixed contract with the U.S. government, limiting the practical impact of their decision. Instead, the company typically provides services on an as-needed basis when American vessels enter Norwegian ports, making their stance more of a political statement than an operational disruption to U.S. naval activities.
The boycott announcement comes amid broader concerns about the future of U.S. commitment to Ukraine and President Trump’s relationships with European allies. Norway, alongside Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, recently announced additional aid packages to Ukraine, underscoring the Nordic nations’ continued support for Kyiv in its struggle against Russia.
