-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
Serbia has secured an extension of Russian gas supplies through the end of March, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said, according to Serbian broadcaster PTC on December 23.
“We have an agreement to extend gas supplies for another three months, until March 31, so that people can be safe and sleep peacefully,” Vučić said after an official ceremony in Belgrade.
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He added that Serbia would have sufficient gas and electricity throughout the winter season, PTC reported.
Vučić also said he had information that Russia’s Gazprom is in talks to sell a stake in Petroleum Industry of Serbia (NIS), including discussions with Hungary’s MOL. NIS is Serbia’s main oil and gas company, while MOL is Hungary’s national energy firm.
According to Vučić, Belgrade does not oppose a potential deal involving MOL, describing Hungary as a close partner. However, he warned that a solution needs to be reached quickly, PTC wrote.
“The Hungarians are our friends. Let’s just finish as soon as possible by January 15,” he said, adding that delays could create serious complications, including risks linked to secondary sanctions and fuel imports.
Serbia currently consumes around 6,000 tons of diesel per day, Vučić said, stressing that securing stable supply chains remains crutially important as the country navigates sanctions-related pressures while maintaining energy ties with Russia.
Previously, it was reported that Serbia’s sole oil refinery in Pancevo has been cut off from pipeline crude after US sanctions against the NIS, the country’s main oil supplier, took full effect, according to SeeNews.
Croatian pipeline operator Janaf said it “will not be able to continue executing its crude oil supply contract with NIS” following the end of a temporary waiver, while adding it is “actively work[ing]… on exploring possible solutions” within the rules.
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-111f0e5095e02c02446ffed57bfb0ab1.jpeg "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
