NIS requests new specific operating licence from US's OFAC

BELGRADE - The Serbian oil company NIS has submitted a request to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury for a new specific licence that would enable it to continue to operate without obstructions beyond July 1, when the current operating licence expires.

Since October 9, 2025, NIS has been under US sanctions due to its Russian-majority ownership.

The current licence was issued on June 16.

The request points out the significance of normal NIS operations for regular supplies to the Serbian market and energy stability in Serbia and notes that talks on changes to the company's ownership structure were underway.

The Hungarian oil company MOL has also obtained from the OFAC a licence until July 1 to complete talks on its acquisition of a Russian-majority stake in NIS.