Serbia has secured continued natural gas supplies from Russia through March, averting potential winter shortages as energy security remains a key concern for the region. The agreement, announced by President Aleksandar Vučić, comes as the nation navigates 75 days without crude oil deliveries due to ongoing geopolitical factors and secondary sanctions. Discussions are also underway regarding the future of the NIS oil refinery, with Hungarian energy company MOL potentially acquiring a stake; though, a deadline for resolution is quickly approaching.
Serbia has secured sufficient supplies of electricity and natural gas to meet its needs throughout the upcoming winter season, President Aleksandar Vučić announced. He confirmed that an agreement has been reached with Russia to extend gas deliveries for an additional three months.
We have an agreement to extend the gas supply for another three months, until March 31st, so people can be safe and sleep soundly.
Vučić stated.
Gazprom in Talks with MOL
According to the President, representatives from Gazprom are currently in negotiations with several parties, including Hungarian energy company MOL, regarding the sale of their stake in the NIS oil refinery. Belgrade does not oppose this potential transaction, as Hungary is considered a friendly nation. However, if a resolution isn’t reached by January 15th, the previously announced plan will be implemented.
The Hungarians are our friends. They just need to finalize everything that is possible before January 15th.
Vučić emphasized, adding that even under ideal circumstances, secondary sanctions pose challenges, and full diesel import needs – a daily requirement of 6,000 tons – cannot be met.
75 Days Without Crude Oil
Vučić highlighted that this marks the 75th day that Serbia has gone without a single drop of crude oil. “I am proud of Serbia and its citizens. Could anyone have imagined that Serbia would go 75 days without oil, and there would be no queues, no one carrying fuel in cans? 75 days, not seven,” he stressed. This situation underscores Serbia’s vulnerability to geopolitical pressures impacting energy security.
He added that if no solution is found, the state will compensate the Russians for their stake in a fair and equitable manner, without resorting to theft or fraud.
— as reported by RTS.
