Serbia is preparing a gas infrastructure upgrade supported by a €175 million World Bank package. The programme targets ageing pipelines, transmission bottlenecks and storage development. The upgrade is designed to address multiple parts of the gas system.
Pipeline and transmission works under the upgrade
The first stage focuses on the Trupale–Pojate bottleneck. Later phases are expected to reinforce the Pojate–Velika Plana section, extend the transmission system and support additional storage. The infrastructure covered by the programme is reported to average approximately 56–57 years in service.
Storage expansion and potential new capacity
Storage expansion is identified as another priority within the programme. Banatski Dvor has capacity of about 450 million cubic metres, with an increase to approximately 750–800 million cubic metres planned. Potential developments at Itebej and Tilva could eventually raise national storage capacity to around 2 billion cubic metres, though these are described as prospective additions.
Cross-border links with Romania, North Macedonia and Bulgaria
A planned connection with Romania includes approximately 150 kilometres of infrastructure linking the Mokrin–Nakovo area with storage facilities and major consumption centres. Serbia is also pursuing an interconnector with North Macedonia, intended to improve access to gas entering through Greece, including LNG supplies via Alexandroupoli. The existing Bulgarian connection already provides access to Azerbaijani gas and additional regional routes.
Implications for gas supply diversification
For buyers, the value of diversification depends on usable transmission capacity, contracted supplies and storage access. Additional infrastructure creates options, but securing competitively priced gas remains a separate commercial task.
