Serbia plans to increase its natural gas imports from Azerbaijan to 1 billion cubic meters annually—2.5 times the originally contracted 400 million cubic meters, Serbian Minister of Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović told Azerbaijani news agency Report.
The minister said negotiations for new contracts are expected to start soon. Current agreements foresee the supply of up to 400 million cubic meters of gas per year until 2026.
Đedović Handanović highlighted that the construction of the gas interconnector with North Macedonia will enable Serbia to receive Azerbaijani gas through the Southern Gas Corridor system, which includes the TANAP and TAP pipelines.
She noted that presently, the only route for Azerbaijani gas supply to Serbia is the interconnector with Bulgaria, while most of Serbia’s gas needs are met through the Balkan Stream.
“Azerbaijani gas is considered a key alternative source, especially given the goal to reduce dependency on a single supplier,” said the minister.
She also mentioned that new gas contracts with Azerbaijan will ensure not only reliable supply but also sufficient resources for planned gas power plants.
Serbia plans to expand cooperation through the construction of a gas-fired power plant near Niš and expects to soon sign a cooperation memorandum with Azerbaijan. This project is recognized as a priority in Serbia’s new Energy Development Strategy and Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan.
