The gasification of the eastern part of the Republic of Srpska (RS) is progressing according to plan. The main pipeline along the Šekovići–Vlasenica–Milići route, with a branch from Vlasenica through Igrišta to Han Pijesak, could be completed within 14 months if there are no unforeseen delays.
Sarajevo-Gas Istočno Sarajevo reported that recent decisions by the Government removed key obstacles by approving forest clearance and permanent land-use changes required for the project. With location permits in place, construction can proceed alongside the resolution of property and right-of-way issues. The pipeline will start in Šekovići, where a gas station is already operational, and continue to Milići, Han Pijesak, and Vlasenica.
A second phase is planned to extend the line to Sokolac and Pale, and then further through Trnovo and Foča to Trebinje. The system is designed as a bidirectional pipeline to ensure supply security over the long term, taking into account potential geopolitical shifts and changes in supply sources. This trunk line is part of a broader gasification strategy that also aims to bring natural gas to the western part of RS.
High-level talks have revived plans for a pipeline to Banja Luka. More detailed information is expected within the next month, with construction work scheduled to begin in early spring next year. This pipeline is planned to run alongside a new motorway corridor, with the route adjusted from earlier designs to allow the Ugljevik thermal power plant to be supplied with gas.
Officials emphasize that the gasification program is of strategic importance for RS and its economy, strengthening energy security and independence. While the European Union targets phasing out Russian gas by 2027, RS currently relies on consistent deliveries through TurkStream and considers its purchasing conditions favorable, with prices significantly lower than exchange benchmarks paid by many other European buyers.
