At the busy service station in Greenland’s capital, staff report unusual demand for two products: petrol and petrol canisters. Even at the best of times, Greenlanders pride themselves on being a hardy people, well able for long winters, short days, sub-zero temperatures and months of snow. But for some here, Donald Trump’s threats to take their island – by force if necessary – means these are the worst of times. Neither she nor the city authorities have given residents extra public guidance since the latest round of interest in Greenland from Washington. In her own home, Olsen said she had extra food reserves, water, batteries, candles and power banks, the latter useful during frequent blackouts on the island.

Source: The Irish Times January 18, 2026 13:43 UTC