Strengthening energy security has become a key priority for Serbia, with plans to significantly expand domestic gas storage capacity and diversify supply routes. Energy Minister Dubravka Đedović stated that the long-term goal is to reach 2 billion cubic meters of storage, allowing roughly half of the country’s annual gas consumption to be secured within national reserves.
Ongoing projects are expected to drive a major increase in capacity. The expansion of the Banatski Dvor underground storage facility, together with the development of a new site in Tilva with a planned capacity of 300 million cubic meters, could raise total storage to around 1 billion cubic meters in the next phase.
At the same time, Serbia is cooperating with the World Bank on a broader investment program valued at approximately one billion euros, aimed at upgrading internal gas infrastructure. Authorities are also seeking support from the European Union, recognizing that modern networks are essential for diversifying both supply sources and transport routes.
Discussions within a joint working group involving the European Commission have covered a wide range of issues, including oil and gas supply diversification, infrastructure development, integration into the EU electricity market, and the impact of geopolitical tensions on energy availability. The minister emphasized that expanding alternative supply options remains crucial for maintaining stability.
Recent infrastructure developments reflect this strategy. The interconnector with Bulgaria has enabled gas imports from Azerbaijan, while additional connections with North Macedonia and Romania are in preparation. Construction of the North Macedonia link is expected to begin in early autumn with domestic funding secured, while future pipelines are being designed to support hydrogen transport as well. Institutional reforms are also underway, including the creation of a dedicated company, Gas Infrastruktura, to oversee new projects and manage the national gas network.
Despite ongoing global price volatility, the government continues to intervene in the fuel market to stabilize costs and ensure reliable supply. Strategic reserves have been strengthened, with petroleum stocks now covering nearly 80 days of average summer demand.
However, challenges remain, particularly in relation to sanctions affecting oil company NIS. Maintaining refinery operations is considered essential for domestic supply stability, while ongoing negotiations over ownership restructuring are expected to play a key role in resolving the issue and potentially removing the company from sanctions lists. Talks involving Hungarian partners and Russian stakeholders are continuing under deadlines set by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), with Serbia supporting efforts to extend the company’s operating license.
Representatives of the European Commission and the EU delegation in Serbia also participated in the discussions. EU Ambassador Andreas von Beckerath highlighted energy as a major area of cooperation, noting visible progress in reforms and emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration in today’s geopolitical environment.
