The National on Strategic Infrastructure and Aviation Fuel Supply Chains in Europe
4 June 2026
During the 33rd Annual Middle East Petroleum & Gas Conference (MPGC 2026), organised by S&P Global in London, UK, The National—a well‑established international news outlet recognised for its credible reporting on the Middle East, energy markets, and strategic infrastructure—interviewed Alkagesta Managing Director Asad Huseynov on developments across European aviation fuel markets, infrastructure access, and supply‑chain resilience.
The conversation highlighted the growing importance of logistics infrastructure and operational flexibility in ensuring reliable aviation fuel supply, as ongoing disruptions to Middle Eastern energy flows continue to reshape trade patterns and influence distribution dynamics across Europe. In an increasingly complex market environment, access to established logistics networks, diversified sourcing, and resilient supply chains has become a defining factor for market participants.
A central theme of the interview was the NATO Central European Pipeline System (CEPS) — a strategically significant network connecting refineries, storage hubs, depots, and major airports across Europe. Huseynov explained how Alkagesta’s participation in the CEPS network enables the company to source jet fuel from Northwest European refiners and suppliers and deliver product to airports including Frankfurt, Brussels, and regional hubs across Germany through established and secure distribution channels.
“Today, success in aviation fuel markets is increasingly determined by infrastructure access, supply‑chain resilience, and operational execution,” Huseynov said. “As market conditions evolve, the ability to deliver reliable fuel supply through established logistics networks becomes a critical differentiator.”
The interview also explored broader trends shaping European aviation fuel markets, including refinery output patterns, storage utilisation, evolving trade flows, and the emergence of alternative supply sources that have helped maintain fuel availability across the region.
Alkagesta’s expansion into aviation fuels forms part of the company’s broader strategy to strengthen its position across energy logistics, fuel distribution, and aviation supply chains. The company operates as a multinational enterprise with 17 offices and representations worldwide and maintains over 700,000 cbm of storage capacity across Europe and Asia.
In 2025, Alkagesta obtained ISCC CORSIA certification, enabling participation in both conventional and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) markets. Combined with access to strategic logistics infrastructure, this enhances Alkagesta’s capabilities across the aviation fuels value chain and supports its continued development in European aviation fuel markets.
The full interview published by The National is available here: How a Cold War relic allowed newcomer to jet fuel market to keep planes flying