New Gas Deal with Russia: Are More Delays and Problems Ahead?
Can Serbia finally breathe a sigh of relief, or is the new gas deal with Russia just another story for kids? The general director of Srbijagas, Dušan Bajatović, announced that the new gas deal with Russia has been negotiated, but — hold on — it will not be signed before September 20! Yes, you read that right, more waiting and uncertainty.
What does this mean for us?
Bajatović emphasized that Serbia will not have problems with gas supply until the end of the heating season, and gas prices for households will not change. But is that really the case? Europe reportedly demands that Serbia open its market and exclude Serbian gas, while on the other hand, there are talks that gas can go to Serbia but not to Hungary or Slovakia. Who is fooling whom here?
Sanctions and loans – another drama
Sanctions on Serbia’s oil industry have been postponed again, which, according to Bajatović, is good news for citizens. However, the problem with loans in NIS still exists. Although the loans have not been declared due, the burden is huge. Serbia must have an oil industry that processes oil and produces derivatives, but how to achieve this under such conditions?
Who’s crazy here?
While Serbia struggles with gas deals and sanctions, Europe continues to pressure to open the market, and Russia remains a key player in supply. Is this some kind of political game or the real state of affairs? Bajatović says negotiations are tough and reforms in management are underway, but without changing ownership structure. Is that enough?
Fuel prices and what’s next
At gas stations in Serbia, a liter of diesel and gasoline will be paid at current prices, but with all this uncertainty, how long will it last? Are we facing a new wave of price hikes, or will the state manage to maintain stability?
Conclusion
All in all, the gas situation in Serbia is far from clear and stable. The new deal with Russia has been negotiated, but signing is postponed until September, sanctions are delayed, but loan problems remain. Europe demands market opening, and Serbia is caught in the middle of a political and energy game.
If it seems to you that this is just another episode in the endless soap opera about gas, you’re not far from the truth. What do you think? Will Serbia manage to cope with all these challenges, or are more delays and problems ahead? Drop a comment, let’s see who’s really crazy here!
