Serbia has commenced fuel storage operations at newly built facilities in Smederevo, a strategic move aimed at bolstering the nation’s energy reserves. The initial shipments of eurodiesel have already been received through river transport, marking the beginning of operations for six new storage tanks.
Energy and Mining Minister Dubravka Đedovic highlighted that this infrastructure development significantly enhances supply security for both residential and commercial sectors. In the past year, Serbia has actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to maintain stability within its oil sector and address uncertainties surrounding the oil company NIS, with a long-term objective of lifting existing sanctions on the firm.
Among the six tanks, four are projected to be operational by mid-April, collectively providing a capacity of 64,000 tons of eurodiesel. The remaining two tanks are expected to be online by mid-February, contributing an additional 32,000 tons. Once operational, this facility will offer nearly 100,000 tons of additional fuel storage capacity.
The Minister pointed out that these storage volumes serve as a critical safety buffer against potential supply disruptions and market volatility. Given Serbia’s average daily consumption of approximately 5,000 to 5,500 tons of eurodiesel, these enhanced reserves will provide greater resilience in a fluctuating market landscape. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that Serbia has successfully doubled its oil product reserves over the last four years.
The historical significance of the Smederevo site cannot be overlooked; it has faced multiple damages during the NATO air strikes in 1999. The current reconstruction efforts represent a pivotal advancement in revitalizing and modernizing Serbia’s energy infrastructure.
