Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović said she expects a solution regarding NIS to be reached this week, meaning Serbia will soon have a clear plan for what will happen and when. She reiterated that the most important priority is that NIS and the refinery must continue operating.
“We are talking to all sides. We are in contact with our Russian partners and have held open, transparent discussions. We want to find a solution and support whichever option they propose — whether negotiations involve a third party or direct talks with us. We are completely open to all possibilities, but what we have made absolutely clear, and continue to repeat, is that NIS and the refinery must keep working,” the minister told Pink TV. She emphasized that citizens and companies should not worry, saying the state is fully prepared and fuel supplies are stable.
“Citizens have absolutely no reason to worry — which does not mean that those of us in the government and the state leadership are not worried. We are working to resolve a problem that we did not create, a problem that is the result of an ongoing geopolitical conflict. Last night, President Trump announced 500 percent tariffs for countries trading with Russia. This shows that the conflict continues, and we are caught in the middle of it,” she said.
The minister added that Serbia has been strengthening its fuel reserves over the past three years, increasing state reserves by 70,600 tons — primarily Eurodiesel, which is the most consumed fuel.
“We prepared ourselves so that in case of unexpected situations, we could ensure sufficient oil and oil products on the market. In December we expect new deliveries: 35,000 tons of diesel and 5,300 tons of kerosene, which is important for aviation. We are also working to replenish storage in Ledinci, where we keep around 40,000 tons of diesel. These storage facilities have been placed under customs supervision so we can double storage volume at the same cost,” she said.
She also noted that six new tanks are being completed in Smederevo — four will be ready for filling in December, and when the remaining two are completed, Serbia will gain a total of 100,000 tons of additional fuel storage capacity.
“The President announced new procurements yesterday — 38,000 tons of gasoline and additional Eurodiesel worth 40 to 50 million euros. We can afford these purchases because in the past three years we consistently replenished our reserves, thanks to a stable financial situation and a strong budget. We prepared both in terms of fuel and food supplies so we would always be ready for unexpected circumstances,” she added.
She pointed out that it has been 39 days since the U.S. sanctions came into effect, yet citizens have not felt any consequences — proof, she said, that the government was well prepared. She expressed confidence that the supply of fuel for citizens and companies will remain stable.
The minister also recalled that during yesterday’s emergency government session on NIS — attended by President Aleksandar Vučić and cabinet ministers — she stated that the current conditions make managing the energy sector extremely challenging, and she expressed readiness to resign if necessary.
