🕒 Last updated on August 19, 2025
On Monday morning, a group of around 200 climate activists gathered at the Mongstad oil refinery on Norway’s southwestern coast. The refinery, which is the largest in the country, became the site of a dramatic protest as people blocked the main entrance and stopped access to the port.
Climate activists block key refinery in Norway
Some activists sat down on the road leading into the refinery. There were others who blocked the port area with sailboats and kayaks. Together, the groups created a strong barrier that slowed down operations at the site. The demonstration was organized by members of environmental groups who are pushing for an end to oil production.
This protest attracted attention not only because of its scale but also because of who joined. A well-known climate campaigner was part of the crowd, giving the protest even more visibility. In her statement, she made it clear why the group had come together. She explained that the world cannot continue to rely on fossil fuels, because burning them leads to harmful emissions that heat the planet. She said that oil is a source of “death and destruction” and that big oil-producing nations are to blame for environmental damage.
The Norwegian government owns the majority of Equinor, the firm that runs the Mongstad refinery. Police officers arrived at the site around 9:00 a.m. local time and monitored the protest as it unfolded. The activists say this action is only the beginning and that more demonstrations will continue across Norway throughout the week.
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Demands for change from Norway’s oil industry
The main demand from the activists is for Norway’s leaders to present a clear plan to phase out oil and gas. For them, the issue is urgent. They believe that as long as the country continues to drill and produce oil, it contributes to worsening climate change. The group argues that wealthy nations like Norway, which benefit from oil production, have a greater responsibility to act quickly and set an example for others.
Norway is Western Europe’s biggest producer of both oil and natural gas. Its industry has played a major role in the country’s economy for decades. The government often points to the jobs created by oil and gas, as well as the expertise developed by Norwegian companies. Officials also stress the importance of stable energy supplies for Europe, especially during uncertain times for global energy markets.
Equinor, the company that owns the Mongstad refinery, has already laid out its own goals for the future. It intends to maintain Norway’s oil output at roughly 1.2 million barrels per day until 2035. In addition, it expects to continue producing around 40 billion cubic meters of natural gas each year until the same period. For the activists, this shows that the country is not moving quickly enough to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
During the protest, participants emphasized their belief that the world has no future if it continues to rely on oil. They warned about the dangers of climate change, saying that rising emissions from burning fossil fuels are already affecting people and nature across the globe. Their call was simple but strong: stop new drilling projects, and begin a real plan to move away from oil and gas.
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Norway’s role in global energy and climate debates
Norway often faces criticism for its role as a top energy producer. On one hand, the country presents itself as a leader in environmental action, with strong investments in renewable energy and electric vehicles. On the other hand, critics point out that it still profits heavily from the sale of oil and gas. This contradiction often becomes the focus of protests like the one seen at Mongstad.
The activists blocking the refinery made sure to highlight this tension. By targeting one of the country’s most important energy sites, they wanted to show the world that Norway’s climate promises are not enough if its oil industry continues to expand. They argued that the wealth earned from oil should now be used to support cleaner, renewable sources of energy instead.
At the Mongstad protest, signs, chants, and speeches all carried the same message. The group wanted to make it clear that the fight against climate change requires strong action now, not decades later. Their demonstration was designed to send a signal both to Norway’s leaders and to the wider international community.
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Police stayed on the ground to ensure safety, but the protest remained focused on peaceful disruption. Organizers announced that this was only the beginning of a longer campaign of civil actions that will take place throughout Norway during the week. Their aim is to keep public attention on the issue and push political leaders to face what they see as the urgent truth about fossil fuels.
One of the most important industrial locations in Norway is the Mongstad refinery. Its role in producing and refining oil for export and domestic use makes it a symbol of the country’s energy economy. By choosing this location, the activists placed their protest at the heart of the debate over how Norway balances its climate commitments with its dependence on oil revenues.