Alkagesta Secures NATO Pipeline Access for European Jet Fuel Distribution

Global commodities trading firm Alkagesta has secured commercial access to the NATO Central European Pipeline System, marking the company's first expansion into inland logistics for jet fuel distribution. Under the agreement, the company will supply jet fuel across Northwest Europe to major aviation hubs, including Brussels and Frankfurt-am-Main.

Spanning 5,300 kilometres across Northwest Europe, the pipeline network was established in the late 1950s to support military petroleum transport. Commercial participation has since expanded, with non-military distribution now accounting for approximately 90% of the network's overall activity, according to reporting by Malta Today. Access to the infrastructure requires companies to complete an extensive approval process incorporating enhanced due diligence protocols.

All jet fuel supplied by Alkagesta under the new arrangement will incorporate a 2% blend of sustainable aviation fuel. This provision is designed to assist airlines in fulfilling the European Union's target of 2% sustainable aviation fuel usage by 2025, helping carriers avoid penalties for non-compliance. Commenting on the agreement, Alkagesta Chief Executive Officer Orkhan Rustamov stated, "I am delighted that Alkagesta has been able to secure access to such a key part of Europe’s fuel distribution network. With this announcement, we will now be able to provide high quality, sustainable fuel to dozens of airlines across Northwest Europe. This marks a significant chapter in the company’s ability to deliver crucial strategic supplies across the continent."

The agreement represents a key milestone for Alkagesta, which was founded less than a decade ago, as it widens its operational scope in European energy logistics. The announcement follows broader developments across the network, including Poland's €5.5 billion deal late last year to connect to the pipeline system, amidst efforts to strengthen regional fuel distribution capabilities following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.