**Økokrim Seeks 720 Million NOK in Penalties from Equinor**
*Oslo, 2 September 2026* – Norway’s National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (Økokrim) has filed a claim for a total of 720 million Norwegian kroner (NOK) against Equinor Refining Norway. The claim was presented as the case began proceedings in the Hordaland District Court (Hordaland tingrett) on Thursday.
According to Økokrim, the company is liable for two separate penalties:
* A fine of **220 million NOK** for alleged violations of the Pollution Act related to emissions from the Mongstad oil refinery, located outside Bergen.
* An additional **500 million NOK** in alleged damages, which Økokrim says stem from cost savings achieved by Equinor through what it describes as “insufficient maintenance” of the refinery facilities.
Økokrim’s filing states that the penalties are intended to address both the environmental impact and the financial advantage the company is alleged to have gained from the purported maintenance shortcomings.
Equinor has not yet responded publicly to the allegations. The case will be heard in the Hordaland District Court, where both parties will have the opportunity to present evidence and arguments.
The claim was reported by the Norwegian newspaper *Klassekampen* on its website.
Article and image source: klassekampen.no
