After a heated argument between Ukrainian President Zelensky and U.S. President Trump and Vice President Cyril Vance, Norwegian marine fuel supplier Haltbakk Bunkers issued a statement on social media, calling for a boycott of fuel and other supplies for U.S. warships, and saying it would immediately stop supplying fuel to U.S. troops in Norway and U.S. ships docked in Norwegian ports, shouting the slogan: “No fuel for the Americans!”
The company’s CEO Gunnar Gran said in an interview with Norwegian media that they delivered about 3 million liters of fuel to US warships last year. In 2023, the company provided fuel to the USS Gerald Ford during its first visit to Norway.
The company emphasized its support for Ukraine while condemning the U.S.. This is similar to statements of support for Ukraine by most European leaders and businesses.
Then, in response to mounting media reports of a boycott of fuel and supply deliveries to U.S. warships, Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik urgently stepped in to issue a public statement assuring that there had been no change in government policy and that “the U.S. and Norway maintain a close and strong defense cooperation.”
Tore Sandvik said, “We have seen some reports that this is not in line with Norwegian government’s policy. I can confirm that all requested support has been provided. American forces will continue to receive the supply and support they require from Norway.”
The Haltbakk Bunkers boycott post was subsequently deleted.