OFAC timeline for MOL and NIS ownership talks
Negotiations over the future ownership and operational structure of NIS are continuing in Serbia as regulatory deadlines approach. Discussions involve Hungarian MOL and Russian Gazprom Neft, according to Serbian officials.
Serbian Mining and Energy Minister Dubravka Đedović said MOL has formally requested an additional 30-day extension from the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The extension would extend the current deadline, which is due to expire on 6 June.
Đedović said MOL believes more time is needed to advance talks and explore a viable solution for the company’s future structure. She added that Gazprom Neft representatives and MOL management have indicated willingness to continue negotiations.
NIS operating license renewal set for mid-June
A separate regulatory deadline is also approaching for NIS, which must apply for renewal of its operating license. The existing license expires on 16 June, Đedović said. The company has previously received temporary extensions while ownership and status discussions continued.
Despite the uncertainty around ownership arrangements, NIS operations are described as stable. Refinery activity has continued without interruption, with processing levels holding at around 10,000 tons per month, according to the minister.
Market conditions and fuel supply stability in Serbia
Đedović also pointed to ongoing volatility in global energy markets affecting Serbia and the broader European energy sector. She said external conditions remain challenging for the region.
The minister said domestic measures have helped maintain market stability and uninterrupted fuel supply within Serbia. She did not provide additional details on the measures in the statement.
