The Norwegian government, led by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, has approved the reopening of three North Sea gas fields—Albuskjell, Vest Ekofisk, and Tommeliten Gamma—after nearly three decades. This move aims to fill energy supply gaps intensified by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly following the US and Israel's actions against Iran. The government plans to invest 19 billion kroner (approximately $1.5 billion USD) to restart these fields by the end of 2028, with production expected to last until 2048. The gas produced will be piped to Germany, while light oil will be sent to the UK.

The decision has faced backlash from environmentalists and left-leaning political parties, who argue it contradicts the advice of Norway's environment agency and threatens vulnerable ecosystems. Critics, including Lars Haltbrekken, deputy leader of the Socialist Left party, have labeled the government's actions as 'madness' and 'greenwashing.' Meanwhile, Norway's state oil company, Equinor, has reported record oil production, pumping 2.31 million barrels of oil equivalent daily in the first quarter of 2023, nearly 9% higher than the previous year. This production surge is attributed to rising market prices and the disruption of oil supplies due to geopolitical tensions, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Norway's energy minister, Terje Aasland, emphasized the importance of Norwegian oil and gas production for European energy security, especially amidst ongoing global conflicts.