Crude oil shipments to Serbia’s Pančevo refinery have resumed, marking the end of a nearly three-month halt in operations due to strict US sanctions. The interruption began on October 9, halting vital deliveries through the JANAF pipeline system. A temporary license granted to JANAF has now facilitated the resumption of these critical operations.
Energy and Mining Minister Dubravka Đedović announced that about 85,000 tons of crude oil are expected to arrive via the JANAF pipeline this week. This influx is set to enable the refinery to restart operations by mid-January, with fuel production—including diesel—anticipated to follow soon after. Initial fuel deliveries are projected for late January, with additional shipments of 35,000 to 45,000 tons scheduled for the subsequent week, enhancing supply stability.
The new imports will be complemented by approximately 120,000 tons of domestically sourced crude oil, providing sufficient resources to maintain refinery operations well beyond January 23. This development comes after a particularly challenging period for Serbia, which managed to uphold fuel supply chains despite facing significant logistical and regulatory challenges.
In a related effort, the Serbian government is actively considering increasing its stake in NIS, reflecting a strategic initiative to bolster national control over key energy assets amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and sanctions-related pressures. This move underscores the government’s commitment to securing energy independence while navigating complex market dynamics in the region.
