Security of supply requires fuel distribution to be excluded from the strike

The recently announced extension of the ongoing industrial action will most likely weaken Finland’s security of supply and make it more difficult to safeguard. Although Finland has fuel reserves and more fuel is constantly being manufactured, the fact that distribution terminals are affected by the strike prevents them from being utilised. The trade unions responsible for the industrial action have assured that security of supply will be safeguarded. The National Emergency Supply Agency (NESA) demands that this be demonstrated in practice by excluding critical functions from the strike, beyond just aviation fuel.

The ongoing strike has already had a significant impact on the organisation of fuel supply. With the help of special arrangements undertaken by operators and the NESA, fuel distribution in Finland has remained largely normal so far, with no notable impacts on security of supply. However, the NESA already estimated before that if the strike is extended or expanded, the situation will also become more difficult from the perspective of ensuring security of supply.

The availability of diesel at distribution stations and the availability of jet fuel and LPG at certain limited locations is essential for Finland’s security of supply. The NESA also considers it necessary to ensure the adequate supply of petrol. It seems likely that as the strike continues, diesel and petrol supply disruptions will also become more common. In order to avoid such disruptions, the NESA considers it a priority for trade unions to exclude fuel distribution from the strike to a sufficient extent. The NESA will continue to monitor the situation together with other authorities and its extensive network and assess the need for measures in the coming days.

The situation in other sectors affected by the strike is also being closely monitored, but currently the greatest concern is ensuring the availability of fuels.