Europe risks fuel shortages in wartime, new HCSS report warns
Europe risks significant fuel shortages in the event of a large-scale conflict, as its energy system is increasingly misaligned with military needs, a new HCSS report warns. The study by Irina Patrahau, Ron Stoop and Lucia van Geuns highlights a structural mismatch between supply and demand. Declining domestic refining capacity, combined with the slow development of alternative fuels, is reducing Europe’s ability to respond to sudden surges in military consumption. At the same time, dependence on imported fuels is increasing exposure to global disruptions and geopolitical shocks.
