The Socialist Left Party (SV) is calling for a temporary ban on the apply of private jets in Norway. The proposal aims to ground private aviation to ensure that available fuel is prioritized for more critical needs, including industrial operations, ordinary exports and general passenger transport.
Energy Security Concerns
The move comes amid rising oil prices and fuel supply challenges in Europe triggered by the conflict in the Middle East. Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), recently warned that the world is facing the most significant energy security threat in history.
Member of Parliament Anne Lise Fredlund of the SV argues that Norway must prepare for a potential fuel crisis by eliminating what she describes as “luxury consumption.” Fredlund suggests that those who typically use private jets, including the wealthy and privileged, should instead utilize scheduled flights or other forms of public transport.
Focus on Government Spending
The SV proposal specifically highlights Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Fredlund argued that the Prime Minister should be able to travel via scheduled flights or public transport, suggesting that e-mail or digital meetings could be alternatives, as was common during the pandemic.
Financial records show that the Norwegian government has spent over 17 million kroner on private jets since 2021, with the Prime Minister’s flights accounting for 11.4 million kroner of that total. Reports indicate that the Prime Minister’s use of private aviation increased significantly in 2025.
In response, the Prime Minister’s office stated that Støre generally uses scheduled flights. According to communications chief Anne Kristin Hjukse, chartered flights are only used when a total assessment deems them necessary for time efficiency or security reasons.
Political Backlash
The proposal has met sharp criticism from opposing parties. The Progress Party (Frp) dismissed the move as “crocodile tears,” with MP Kristoffer Sivertsen arguing that SV’s desire to throttle oil production would actually decrease available fuel.
Sivertsen suggested that the real issue is a failure in preparedness. He argued that the government should instead focus on immediately increasing storage capacity, pointing to the Slagentangen refinery as a location that could provide a rapid effect.
The Conservative Party (H) also labeled the proposal “silly symbol politics.” MP Aleksander Stokkebø noted that SV previously voted against the Johan Sverdrup field, which represents roughly one-third of all Norwegian oil production.
Stokkebø emphasized that global instability highlights the vulnerability of supply chains. He argued that Norway must continue to explore and deliver oil and gas in Norwegian and allied waters to ensure supply security and should review long-term fuel storage to reduce future vulnerabilities.
Potential Next Steps
Depending on the political climate, the Norwegian Parliament could potentially pass a resolution to ground private jets if a fuel crisis intensifies. Such a measure may remain in place for as long as the fuel shortage persists.
Alternatively, the government may face increased pressure to implement the structural changes suggested by the opposition, such as expanding national fuel reserves or adjusting production targets to bolster energy security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Socialist Left Party proposing a ban on private jets?
The party believes Norway must prepare for a possible fuel crisis by prioritizing fuel for essential purposes—such as industry, exports, and general passenger transport—over luxury consumption.
How much has the Norwegian government spent on private flights?
Since 2021, the government has spent over 17 million kroner on private jets, with 11.4 million kroner of that amount attributed to Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre’s flights.
What are the main arguments against the proposed ban?
Critics from the Progress Party and Conservative Party argue that the ban is symbolic and ineffective. They suggest that the focus should instead be on increasing fuel storage capacity and maintaining oil production to ensure long-term supply security.
Do you believe that restricting luxury travel is an effective way to manage national energy security during a crisis?
