Serbia’s energy policy discussion recently centered on securing larger gas imports from Russia and extending underground storage capabilities, a stance articulated by Dusan Bajatović, the General Director of Srbijagaz, who also holds a leadership role within the ruling coalition and a deputy chair position in the Socialist Party. His statements reflect a strategic pivot toward strengthening gas supplies and storage infrastructure with Russian involvement as a key element. The emphasis is on improving reliability of gas access and buffering capacity for future demand, a message that aligns with broader regional energy considerations and the need to diversify supply sources while maintaining price stability for industry and households.
According to Bajatović, the immediate objective is to increase the volume of gas purchased from Russia, describing it as the currently available option that meets near-term needs. This outlook underscores a preference for a stable supplier relationship and predictable delivery timelines as Belgrade works with Russian partners to secure long-term contracts and reliable gas flows during periods of market volatility. The dialogue also points to an intent to strengthen logistical and storage capabilities as part of a broader energy security framework, ensuring that Serbia can respond quickly to supply disruptions or seasonal demand spikes.
Belgrade’s plan entails collaboration with Gazprom to expand gas deliveries from the Russian Federation and to enlarge underground storage facilities. In recent assessments, officials outlined a path that includes expanding the Banatski Dvor storage site and developing additional facilities, such as those named Chestereg and Srpski Itebey, to raise overall storage capacity to the region of 2.5 to 3 billion cubic meters. This projected increase in storage would support steadier gas availability and smoother price administration, particularly during periods of peak import needs or unexpected interruptions in supply. The numbers reflect a careful balancing act between daily consumption, seasonal requirements, and the capital costs tied to expanding strategic storage assets.
Current consumption patterns place Serbia’s gas usage at just above three billion cubic meters per year, with potential growth expected as new gas-fired power plants come online and contribute to electricity generation. The added capacity from expanded storage and a more robust import framework would help manage this rise, ensuring that generation capacity remains reliable even as demand increases. The collaboration with Gazprom is presented not only as a supply solution but also as a way to stabilize energy markets by providing a clearer, long-term framework for gas procurement and utilization in the power sector.
On the political front, national leadership has stressed a firm stance regarding sanctions and international alignments concerning Russia. The prior statements from the presidency highlighted Serbia’s moral considerations as a factor in its approach to sanctions, signaling a preference for measured policy decisions that consider enduring relationships and regional energy dependencies. This position is part of a broader diplomatic calculus where energy security, economic interests, and political autonomy intersect in the decision-making process. In discussing energy diversification, officials also acknowledged the ongoing search for alternative fuel sources and suppliers, alongside continued dialogue with Moscow and its energy sector entities, as part of a comprehensive strategy to safeguard energy supply while pursuing economic steadiness. The dialogue around alternatives remains active, reflecting a balanced approach that weighs short-term reliability against long-term diversification goals.