Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović stated that discussions between Serbia and Russia regarding US sanctions on NIS, due to the majority Russian stake, will continue.
She emphasized that Serbia will neither nationalize NIS nor jeopardize the supply of oil and petroleum products. Đedović Handanović told RTS that Russian partners were informed that “Serbia does not intend to seize their assets.”
“We do not want to nationalize property. We are a country that is a good host to investors, and we will continue to act accordingly. It is important that they understand our position: we will not compromise Serbia’s energy security or the supply of oil and petroleum products. We will not allow our citizens to suffer, and the refinery must continue operating, which is in everyone’s interest,” said Đedović Handanović.
She expressed confidence that a solution will be reached in the near future and noted that Serbia received assurances that the gas agreement will be extended until the end of the year. However, she added that this is not satisfactory, as Serbia seeks a long-term arrangement.
“We have filled our gas reserves. They currently total 533 million cubic meters – 350 million in Banatski Dvor and 183 million in Hungary. It is our responsibility to ensure sufficient reserves,” stated Đedović Handanović.
