In Serbia, the supply of petroleum products remains stable, though uncertainty persists due to sanctions on NIS. Trade unions are demanding explanations from NIS management regarding the company’s future operations.
Washington has extended Lukoil’s license to operate until April 29, applicable to the company’s foreign subsidiaries. This marks the 58th day since U.S. sanctions on the majority Russian-owned Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS) came into effect. The license, effective from December 4, allows Lukoil’s foreign branches to continue operating.
“This means that all 112 fuel stations in Serbia will be able to operate using imported petroleum products,” said President Aleksandar Vučić in an interview with TV Pink.
He also highlighted that Serbia will not face gas supply problems, noting that a short-term agreement with Russia is expected to be signed soon.
Energy Minister Dubravka Đedović Handanović emphasized that the situation with NIS is monitored daily and evolves constantly. The main priority remains ensuring security of supply, which she discussed with representatives of energy companies MOL, OMV, EKO, and Knez Petrol.
Despite almost two months without crude oil deliveries, the minister noted that citizens and businesses have not felt a disruption.
Energy cooperation with Russia was a key topic during Vučić’s meeting with Russian Ambassador Aleksandr Bocan-Harčenko, where discussions focused on gas supply, infrastructure projects, and strategic bilateral initiatives.
The shutdown of the Pančevo refinery has caused concern among NIS employees, prompting unions to demand clarity from management on how the company will operate under sanctions. The union confirmed to RTS that they requested detailed explanations regarding company operations and salary payments, especially considering potential bank account blocks due to secondary sanctions.
