EU considers using military fuel reserves in the event of a conflict

EU prepares fuel reserve system for wartime

The European Union is considering the possibility of using military fuel reserves to keep oil refineries running and prevent fuel shortages in the event of a possible military conflict. This was announced by European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius, writes Zamon.uz. According to him, if one of the EU member states is attacked, a need for large fuel stockpiles may arise, but the exact volume of military reserves is not being disclosed.

Why support refineries and what is planned

Kubilius stressed that supporting oil refineries is important for stabilizing fuel prices, European security, and the uninterrupted operation of the economy. He gave a benchmark: in peacetime, military needs account for roughly 8% of total fuel consumption, and in the event of a military crisis this share could rise significantly. Therefore, the European Union intends to create a system that will ensure a sufficient stockpile of aviation fuel in peacetime and allow production to be rapidly scaled up and reserves to be built up in a crisis. The European commissioner plans to discuss this issue with the North Atlantic Council and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

What is known and what remains unclear

So far this is about statements and plans, not adopted decisions: the publication does not report on the legal mechanisms, timelines, or funding sources for such a system. The quantitative parameters are also undisclosed — neither the volume of military reserves nor the target figures for aviation fuel stockpiles. There is no information yet on the outcome of the discussion with NATO, which is only being planned.