Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS) has announced that fuel sales continue without interruption, as all corporate payment cards remain fully functional. Fuel is available at NIS retail outlets as usual, and payments can be made in cash, using DINA cards, or through mobile banking applications of all banks via the “IPS Pokaži” option.
Economic impact and government support
Marko Čadež, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (PKS), emphasized that NIS, as a major company, significantly affects the wider economy, particularly the Petrochemicals sector and plastic industry. The Serbian government is actively working to ensure that suppliers in the NIS chain are paid, according to Čadež.
This marks the 57th day of U.S. sanctions targeting NIS, which is majority Russian-owned. Despite the restrictions, production and commercial operations continue in an adapted format, according to Gazpromneft, ensuring that the Serbian market remains supplied with necessary quantities of fuel.
Government measures and oversight
On December 2, President Aleksandar Vučić met with teams for energy stability and security to discuss the situation with NIS. While Serbia had expected a license from the U.S. to continue refinery operations, no positive decision was issued. Vučić announced that, at Serbia’s risk, the government would ensure payment operations with NIS continue until the end of the week.
Experts weigh in on the situation: Petar Stanojević, former assistant minister for oil and gas, noted that Serbia’s economy will remain resilient, though challenges are inevitable. Blagoje Paunović, President of the Fiscal Council, stated that while the fiscal deficit will not rise, public debt may increase. Ivan Nikolić, President of the NBS Governors’ Council, highlighted that Serbia possesses significant reserves to ensure stability and security into the next year.
Strategic geopolitics
Nadežda Kokotović from the Brussels Energy Club emphasized that the situation with NIS is directly under Russian President Vladimir Putin’s personal control, meaning very few people are fully aware of developments.
Daily monitoring of fuel supply by Government and companies
Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović held discussions with major fuel suppliers—MOL Serbia, OMV Serbia, EKO Serbia, and Knez Petrol—to ensure secure domestic fuel supply alongside NIS. The situation is monitored continuously and can change from hour to hour, according to the Ministry.
