Originally Posted by
CoffmanStarter
Running the GPSS at low rates of usage when the spare capacity can be used for civvy aviation and road use makes lots of sense. It unburdens the taxpayer and removes tankers from the roads. The products that run through the pipeline are bought under separate arrangements - the pipeline operator simply delivers packets of the correct grade fuel to your storage/issue facilities.
As far as the military or government having to own everything it uses or relies on, that is simply nonsense and the UK mil has worked with/depended on industry from the outset. The oil companies and infrastructure operators have a seat at various National Emergency committees.
This is a sensible move - pipelines are expensive and complex to install (imagine how many farmers' fields you have to dig up) and it should be a good money spinner.