Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that Serbia will not face problems with gas supply, as a short-term agreement with Russia on gas deliveries is expected to be signed soon.
“We expect the short-term gas supply contract to be signed soon at good prices. Certainly, we will not have any gas shortages until summer, which is good news for citizens,” Vučić told TV Pink.
He also highlighted that it is positive that the United States has extended the license for Russian Lukoil until April 26 next year.
“Lukoil operates 112 fuel stations in Serbia and will be able to function with imported petroleum products,” said Vučić.
He noted that Lukoil stations are evenly distributed across Serbia, with only 9% located in Belgrade.
Regarding the possibility of secondary US sanctions on the National Bank of Serbia and commercial banks if payment transactions are made with Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS), which is under US sanctions, Vučić stated that there will be a payment risk for some time.
“The American logic is to pursue their interests regardless of the cost for Serbia, while the Russian approach is to pursue their interests to the end. They haven’t imposed sanctions on Americans, they claim, and that is true—but neither have we, and we are not obliged to suffer because of their relations,” he added.
Vučić expressed pride in the country, noting that for 55 days no oil arrived through the pipeline, the Pančevo Refinery was closed, yet there were no problems with petroleum product supply.
“We face a thousand technical problems, but I must be proud of the people working hard. We have filled all reserves, and someone had to pay for that. We brought inflation down to 2.7% in November and entered the target range. We also managed to increase pensions significantly,” he said.
He reiterated that Serbia will not face petroleum product supply issues until January 15, though the situation afterwards is uncertain.
“I am confident that the Russians, in talks with partners, will agree on the transfer of NIS ownership in line with US sanctions,” Vučić said.
He added that Serbia’s growth may slow due to sanctions on NIS, which could result in smaller increases in pensions and salaries if sanctions are not lifted.
“Next year could be the best in history regarding Serbia’s transformation, living standards, and infrastructure projects. We are concerned, working diligently, and we will resolve the problems,” Vučić concluded.
