The current gas supply agreement between Serbia and Russia is due to expire this week, but an annex to the existing contract has been signed to ensure continued deliveries of Russian gas. This extension will enable Serbia to fill its storage facilities in Banatski Dvor and Hungary ahead of the winter season. According to DuĊĦan BajatoviÄ, director of Srbijagas, the annex is valid until the end of September.
Under this arrangement, Serbia secured a supply of 6 million cubic meters of gas per day at a price of 290 euros per 1,000 cubic meters. BajatoviÄ noted that the goal is to reach a stable daily supply of 8 million cubic meters, with an additional 4 million cubic meters kept in reserve. However, achieving this target is complicated by logistical challenges, as many countries are competing for the same supply sources. While the reserve volume of 4 million cubic meters can be procured at competitive prices, Serbia will need to participate in gas auctions. An agreement with Russia to guarantee this reserve volume at all times is still pending.
BajatoviÄ dismissed public speculation about potential problems in gas supply, assuring that everything is under control and that Serbia will have sufficient gas. The new arrangement guarantees that gas prices for households will remain stable, while prices for industrial users may even decrease.
At the same time, Brussels has suggested the possibility of new sanctions targeting Russian gas. Hungary has already warned the European Union that such measures would have serious economic repercussions for several member states. BajatoviÄ emphasized that the United States cannot fulfill the demand for larger gas volumes and highlighted the risks associated with potential shutdowns of financial channels, which could create even greater problems. Reiterating a stance he has maintained for years, he stressed that a stable energy supply in Europe is impossible without Russian gas.
