Impact of the ongoing industrial action on security of supply (assessment 27 March 2024)

The continuation of the ongoing industrial action that was announced today further increases risks in terms of fuel distribution, but does not endanger Finland’s overall security of supply. A step in a better direction was taken when the Finnish Industrial Union decided to clarify the strike limits following discussions with the National Emergency Supply Agency (NESA) on Tuesday.

According to the NESA’s current assessment, fuel distribution remains primarily operational in Finland, although disruptions in the distribution of fuels are likely to increase at individual stations as the strike continues. In any case, the revision of the strike limits will at least help safeguard traffic critical to security of supply to a sufficient degree.

Not all fuel distribution companies in Finland are affected by the strike. The NESA recommends following the websites of companies responsible for the distribution of fuels for information on any distribution disruptions.

Individual disruptions to the security of fuel supply do not mean that overall security of supply is compromised. An actual impact on security of supply only occurs if the functioning of production, services or critical infrastructure is disrupted in such a way that the essential basic needs of the population, the economy or national defence cannot be met.

According to today’s assessment, the impacts of the strike on security of supply remain minor in other sectors. The NESA is constantly monitoring the situation and is currently planning on updating its assessment of the impact of the ongoing industrial action on security of supply on 2 April 2024.