Oil companies operating in Serbia have prepared to import larger quantities of petroleum products in response to sanctions on NIS, the general secretary of the Serbian Oil Companies Association, Tomislav Mićović, told RTS.
Mićović highlighted that while retail networks are sufficient, wholesale storage facilities were optimized for a market with domestic refining and not intended for large stockpiles. He noted that average monthly gasoline imports have risen from 5,300 tons in 2023 to about 13,000 tons in 2025, while diesel exports have increased from 36,000 tons to 58,000 tons over the first eight months of this year.
“These figures show that companies have activated sources to import larger volumes to raise commercial reserves in their warehouses, making them more resilient to potential disruptions and ensuring supply for future demand,” Mićović explained.
Regarding retail and wholesale infrastructure, Mićović stated that Serbia has enough facilities to cover market needs. However, wholesale storage capacities are limited and primarily designed to support domestic refining operations in Pančevo. While imports can still increase somewhat, additional measures are needed to facilitate and speed up deliveries.
On crisis response coordination, Mićović emphasized the need for improved logistics management for oil delivery via rail and barges, calling for stronger cooperation between ministries—including construction, transport, infrastructure, and energy—and oil companies to maximize the efficiency of the current system.
He also noted that the primary risks, identified in the 2019 Oil Market Crisis Response Regulation, remain the same: disruption of crude oil supply to Serbia and potential refinery shutdowns. “The first risk has already materialized, and the second is imminent. Managing these risks requires caution and collective action,” Mićović concluded.
