Belgrade secures short-term gas extension with Russia

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said Serbia has reached an agreement with Russia to extend natural gas supplies until March 31, 2026, a move he said would help ensure energy security for the country through the winter months.

According to Vučić, the three-month extension is intended to provide stability and reassurance to citizens during the heating season, allowing households and businesses to avoid disruptions in gas deliveries, Caliber.Az reports via Serbian media. 

Vučić also stated that he had information indicating that Russia’s Gazprom was in talks about the possible sale of its stake in Serbia’s oil company NIS, with Hungary’s MOL mentioned among the potential buyers. He warned that if no agreement is reached, the Serbian state would assume control of the company, while compensating the Russian side for its ownership share.

The remarks come against the backdrop of mounting pressure on Serbia’s energy sector.

In late November, the NIS oil refinery in Pančevo, majority-owned by Russia's Gazprom, was temporarily shut down due to a lack of crude oil supplies. 

By Sabina Mammadli