Montenegro has launched a major reconstruction of its oil storage infrastructure at the port of Bar, aiming to strengthen emergency fuel reserves and enhance energy security. The upgraded facility is expected to play a central role in helping the country meet its obligations to maintain mandatory oil stocks.
Admir Šahmanović, Montenegro’s Energy Minister, confirmed that work has now begun, with financial support from the European Commission. Brussels has allocated €2.2 million for the project, which is part of a broader €7.5 million support package covering both infrastructure upgrades and the initial filling of reserves.
The reconstruction is expected to last around six months, expanding storage capacity at Bar by approximately 17,600 cubic meters. Upon completion, the upgraded facility will enhance Montenegro’s ability to comply with EU requirements, ensuring reserves equivalent to roughly three months of consumption in case of supply disruptions.
The works are being executed by a regional consortium of companies from Montenegro and Croatia, which secured the contract in late 2025 with a bid of €1.74 million, following two earlier unsuccessful procurement attempts.
Delays in upgrading the Bar facility have already affected Montenegro’s plans to procure fuel for its strategic reserves. Earlier this month, authorities cancelled a diesel purchase tender worth €11 million, citing the need to adjust conditions due to rising global oil prices linked to Middle East tensions.
The postponed procurement has pushed back the timeline for building Montenegro’s strategic oil reserves, making the completion of the Bar upgrade a critical step toward securing stable fuel supplies and aligning with European energy security standards.
