Representatives of the Republika Srpska (RS) and Russia’s Gazprom held talks in St. Petersburg focused on future gas supply arrangements, infrastructure development, and potential investment opportunities, with officials expressing confidence that cooperation between the sides will continue on a long-term basis.
Following the meeting, Nedeljko Elek, director of Sarajevo-Gas Istočno Sarajevo, said the discussions confirmed expectations that Bosnia and Herzegovina would continue receiving Russian natural gas under favorable commercial terms. He added that work is underway on a longer-term supply framework aimed at providing greater certainty for future deliveries.
A major topic of the talks was the planned expansion of the gas network in RS. Energy and Mining Minister Petar Đokić presented projects designed to extend gas infrastructure across both eastern and western parts of the entity. According to Elek, growing consumption could eventually exceed one billion cubic meters annually, significantly increasing the region’s importance as a gas market.
The discussions also covered possible Russian investment in energy infrastructure, with particular attention given to gas-fired power generation and district heating projects. Cities such as Banja Luka, Bijeljina, and Doboj were identified as potential locations for future development.
Officials indicated that the planned gas pipeline network is expected to be completed over a four-year period, although individual sections may be commissioned gradually, allowing some municipalities to gain access to natural gas before full completion. Expansion plans for Bijeljina and Doboj are expected to advance into a more detailed phase as early as next year.
Elek also noted that any future supply arrangements with Gazprom would have implications beyond Republika Srpska, given the interconnected nature of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s broader gas market.
