BRUSSELS, November 13. /TASS/. NATO forces risk facing a shortage of aviation fuel in the event of a large-scale conflict over the next decade, Politico reported, citing a report produced by the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence.

According to the publication, "Europe’s transition away from fossil fuels and shrinking oil refining capacity create dangerous vulnerabilities." A major conflict in the next 10 years involving European countries, with support from North American allies, would lead to a sharp increase in aviation fuel consumption. Existing reserves would be insufficient to meet demand.

"The report’s been circulated at quite a high level within NATO and across the alliance," a representative of the center told the publication. Politico noted that the report reflects the independent views of researchers rather than the bloc’s official position.

One European official told the publication that how NATO could increase its oil refining capacity is "a good question" that remains unanswered.