Bloomberg: NATO eyes expansion of Cold War-era fuel pipeline network

NATO member states are close to reaching an agreement to extend a Cold War-era fuel pipeline network into Eastern Europe and Türkiye, Bloomberg reports, citing sources.

The outlet said the decision is expected to be announced on July 8 during the NATO summit in Ankara.

The project envisages expanding the pipeline system linking military bases to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies during crises and potential conflicts.

Bloomberg reported that the initiative could cost as much as $30 billion over the next 20 years, making it the largest investment project in the alliance's history.

NATO is expected to provide the bulk of the funding, while Eastern European countries would cover the remaining costs.

The main beneficiaries of the project are expected to include Poland, the Baltic states, Romania, Bulgaria, and Türkiye.

The new infrastructure is intended to strengthen NATO's ability to supply fuel to aircraft, military equipment, and military installations, while reducing reliance on road and rail transport, which are considered more vulnerable in the event of a conflict.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov