Dušan Bajatović, Director of Srbijagas, stated that bankruptcy and nationalization of the National Oil Company (NIS) are not viable solutions. He reminded that the Serbian government has allocated funds for market capitalization and is willing to “buy, pay, and even overpay” to ensure the company continues operating. Bajatović emphasized that a gas crisis in Serbia is unlikely.
“Bankruptcy is not an option, nationalization is a bad option, a complicated process I do not support,” Bajatović told TV Prva, adding that temporary administration by Serbia could be a practical solution to avoid NIS’s collapse or disputes over ownership.
He warned that secondary sanctions are the most dangerous, noting that the government currently allows both payment cards at NIS stations and cash payments. While the United States demands zero Russian ownership of NIS, Russia aims to remain active in the market.
Regarding gas, Bajatović assured that Serbia will not face a crisis, as gas is not under sanctions and the European Union continues to pay Russia €220 billion for gas.
He explained that there is a “Plan B”, which involves buying gas from traders on the market or substituting mazut (fuel oil) in Belgrade if a direct agreement with Russia does not materialize.
Bajatović stressed that NIS cannot be resolved without the involvement of both Russians and Americans, noting that Serbia has been waiting 50 days—eight to nine of which have already passed—and the state will eventually need to decide on the company’s future. He reiterated that Serbia remains collateral damage in the larger geopolitical conflict.
