Why in the news?

  • Poland announced plans to join NATO Pipeline System (NPS) with a €4.7 billion investment.

NATO Pipeline System (NPS)

  • What is it?: The NATO Pipeline System (NPS) is an integrated fuel distribution and storage network managed collectively by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
  • Aim: It ensures strategic fuel supply to allied military forces during both peacetime and wartime operations.
  • Background:
    • Established during the Cold War (1950s–60s) to secure logistical autonomy for NATO forces against potential Soviet threats.
    • Built to transport, store, and distribute petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL) across member territories in Europe.
  • Strategic Importance:
    • Ensures fuel security and rapid mobility of NATO forces.
    • Reduces dependency on civilian or external suppliers during crises.
    • Serves as a dual-use infrastructure, supporting both military and civilian aviation and transport sectors.
    • Strengthens energy resilience within the alliance.