Overview
Turkey has put forward a proposal to build a $1.2 billion fuel pipeline intended to supply NATO forces on the alliance's eastern flank. The proposed corridor would run from Turkish territory through Bulgaria and into Romania and would be dedicated exclusively to military use, not civilian supply.
Cost and route rationale
According to the proposal details, the Turkish route could cost about one-fifth of alternative plans that have been considered. Those alternatives include routes that would rely on maritime transport - such as options routing through Greece or via Romania's western neighbors - which the proposal characterizes as more vulnerable to disruption.
Strategic context
The push to reassess fuel logistics for NATO's eastern members has been driven by recent geopolitical developments. These include Russia's invasion of Ukraine and disruptions to energy routes related to conflicts in the Middle East, with a cited example being recent supply interruptions tied to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Those events have prompted NATO members to review the alliance's fuel supply infrastructure and to look for reliable, cost-effective supply chains for eastern member states.
Diplomatic and decision timeline
Turkey plans to present the pipeline proposal in advance of the NATO summit it will host in July. Ankara is seeking allied support for the plan; whether the proposal is approved could be decided either before the summit or during it, according to the information provided.
Usage restrictions
The proposed pipeline would be limited to military use and explicitly not open for civilian fuel transportation. The proposal emphasizes its role as a NATO operational supply line rather than a commercial energy infrastructure project.
This report summarizes the proposal details as presented and the strategic considerations that have led NATO members to re-examine fuel supply options for the alliance's eastern flank.