Hungarian oil company MOL is set to expand its fuel storage terminal in Sremski Karlovci through a new round of investment. The expansion involves acquiring additional land from Dunav Oil and partnering with Naftachem, which will oversee construction and project execution. The move is expected to significantly increase MOL’s storage capacity in Serbia and reinforce its position in the regional fuel market.
The Sremski Karlovci terminal has been operational for six years and was initially MOL’s largest investment in Serbia. The facility features a fully automated fuel management system, five diesel tanks of 8,000 cubic meters each, and three BMB tanks totaling 4,000 cubic meters. It also includes an additive injection system, biological wastewater treatment, an oil separator, and cooling technology to reduce evaporation. Fuel distribution has been carried out via river and road transport, with rail delivery also planned.
The strategic importance of the terminal became evident earlier this year amid concerns over potential US sanctions on NIS, highlighting the need for secure fuel supply in Serbia. MOL confirmed it is ready to increase deliveries to the Serbian market if necessary. Last year, two additional storage units were added, providing 2,500 cubic meters of capacity, though regulatory approvals for their use are still pending.
Despite these improvements, logistical constraints remain, limiting the efficiency of fuel distribution and leaving Serbia vulnerable to supply disruptions. MOL has stressed the importance of establishing administrative conditions that enable full utilization of storage capacities and facilitate access for foreign-flagged vessels to local ports.
Located in the Prosjanica industrial zone next to Naftachem’s terminal, MOL’s facility carries strategic significance. The company initially purchased the depot from Dunav Oil in 2019 and is once again relying on land acquisitions from the same firm for the current expansion, underscoring the deepening of MOL’s investment presence in Serbia’s energy sector.
