Macut, Djedovic Handanovic discuss situation in energy sector

BELGRADE - Serbian PM Djuro Macut met with Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic on Tuesday to discuss the situation in the energy sector and measures the government is taking to alleviate the consequences of US sanctions on Serbia's Russian majority-owned oil company NIS.

Macut and Djedovic Handanovic noted that "the supply of energy products to the market remains stable and that measures necessary to preserve the continuous delivery of oil and oil derivatives are analysed on a daily basis," a government statement said.

"Macut underlined that close coordination among all state institutions and their timely response is of exceptional importance in order to prevent major market disruptions.

Djedovic Handanovic noted that the state is working on securing the delivery of 38,000 t of petrol and around 66,000 t of diesel, as well as 86,000 t of crude oil for state reserves, in order to increase supply security in the weeks ahead.

The Minister informed the Prime Minister that the development of negotiations conducted by the Russian owners with potential partners is monitored daily, so that the conditions can be created as soon as possible for extending the licence for the operation of NIS and the Refinery in Pancevo, which must also be approved by the US administration."

The statement also said Djedovic Handanovic was "assessing the market situation with oil companies and informing the Government, the President of the Republic and the Serbian public on a daily basis."