GAS SHORTAGE in Serbia: The storage in Banatski Dvor is being quickly supplemented because of the Ukraine crisis!
First, the European gas storages will meet its needs, so that they can show a surplus in the market. This surplus certainly will be more expensive than the gas we now purchase from the “Gazprom”, says Voja Vuletic from Serbia Gas Association.
Because of the Ukrainian crisis, “Srbijagas” rapidly supplements gas storage in Banatski Dvor. There are gas reserves for two to three months, and with the savings and greater use of other energy sources.
“First, the European gas storages will meet its needs, so that they can show a surplus in the market. This surplus certainly will be more expensive than the gas we purchase now from the “Gazprom”, says Voja Vuletic from Serbia Gas Association.
In order to reduce gas consumption in the economy, wherever possible, it will be used the crude oil. At this moment it cannot be counted at larger electricity production, due to flooded Kolubara mines.
Nikola Rajakovic from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade, points out that the current electricity situation is very serious.
“This means that the production from thermal and hydro power plants does not meet the daily demand for electricity, which therefore has to be imported. Our colleagues in the Directorate try to save coal for more difficult situations”, added Rajakovic.
It is also expected to increase the prices of petroleum products. Demand for fuel already has been increased due to the holiday, and the crisis in Iraq and Ukraine, also raise the crude oil prices on stock markets.
Expert of the company “Ef – iks leader” Nikola Bulajic believes that current high energy prices are somewhat unrealistic.
“But as long as the crisis lasts, no one knows in what direction will move the market”, assessed Bulajic. What is certain –savings of all energy sources are necessary in the coming period in order to alleviate the possible shortages.