State-owned Neste intensively lobbied all coalition parties to shape fuel distribution reforms

Throughout 2026, Neste, which the state owns, engaged in intensive lobbying of the chairs of the four coalition parties, using anonymous emails signed “Mattias” from its societal relations head Mattias Hellström. The messages reached prime minister Petteri Orpo and other ministers, stressing that weakening the fuel distribution obligation could jeopardise the Porvoo refinery's pending investments. A meeting between finance minister Riikka Purra and Neste CEO Heikki Malinen was held in early January, though the discussion topics were not disclosed.

The cabinet eventually adopted a support package that mirrors two of Neste's proposals: targeted subsidies for the transport and agricultural sectors and an increased tax deduction for private-car commuting. However, the distribution duty was left intact, with Kokoomus and RKP opposing cuts and Perussuomalaiset and KD favouring them. Additional measures suggested by Neste were considered but not necessarily adopted.