Tyurdenev: Talks underway with several parties, there is chance of NIS getting US licence

BELGRADE - Talks about changes in the ownership structure of Serbia's oil company NIS are underway with several interested parties, and there is still a chance of NIS obtaining a licence from the US, the company's CEO Kirill Tyurdenev has told employees, Tanjug learns.

NIS is under US sanctions due to its Russian-majority ownership.

Tyurdenev said the operations of the NIS refinery and, consequently, its petrochemical plant, had been suspended due to a lack of crude oil.

He said December salaries and all bonuses and premiums had been paid out to the employees earlier in the day.

"I would like to note that there is still a chance of getting a licence from the (US) Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) for unobstructed operations of our company while the talks on changes in the ownership structure are underway and we are ready to start the refinery as soon as possible in that case. We are cooperating with Serbian state authorities on all current issues and we have their support," Tyurdenev said.

He noted that the last licence issued by the OFAC had set February 13, 2026 as the deadline for completing the changes.

"The process is being conducted by shareholders - the company owners - and. according to our information, the shareholders are actively in talks with several interested parties," Tyurdenev said.

He said that, at this time, the main task of the company management was to maintain the stability of operations as much as possible.

"We are supplying the market from stocks prepared in advance, while upstream is operating in the usual mode," he also said.