Dušan Bajatović, the General Director of Srbijagas, assured that Serbia currently enjoys one of the most favorable gas supply situations in Europe. He confirmed that there will be ample gas supply and no increase in energy prices at least until the end of the heating season. “Serbia will not face any shortages, and we will not be freezing,” Bajatović told Tanjug, highlighting that the Banatski Dvor gas storage facility is at full capacity.
Bajatović outlined the gas reserves: “We have 750 million cubic meters of gas in Banatski Dvor, 163 million cubic meters in Hungary, and up to two million cubic meters expected from Azerbaijan during the heating season.”
He also mentioned upcoming discussions at the gas forum in St. Petersburg and the energy forum in Moscow, where he plans to negotiate with Gazprom regarding the flexible gas amounts agreed upon by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“The heating will be stable, and EPS will supply the necessary amounts of electricity. Additionally, the Oil Industry of Serbia has resolved its post-sanctions issues, and since it is predominantly owned by Gazprom, we will not face energy shortages,” Bajatović added.
Regarding gas prices, Bajatović assured that there will be no increase until the end of the year. He emphasized that the current gas price is socially adjusted, though collection rates are not yet perfect.
He also addressed the potential for changes in heating costs, noting that oil prices, which affect heating costs, have fluctuated but are currently lower. “Oil prices have decreased from $95 to $80 and may drop further. The oil formula used for pricing will not see significant changes, and I forecast no increase in household gas prices through the heating season,” he stated.
Bajatović discussed the impact of Serbia’s GDP and industrial growth, highlighting challenges in managing increased demand due to a shortage of personnel. However, he assured that Serbia’s gas supply would remain secure through cooperation with Russian, Azerbaijani, Hungarian, and Turkish partners, with additional possibilities from the Greek terminal.
