Serbia anticipates receiving up to 2 million cubic meters of gas per day from Azerbaijan this winter, Report informs with the reference to the Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović Handanović.
The minister highlighted that the energy crisis is ongoing, but Serbia has taken all possible measures to prepare for the winter and minimize dependency on market fluctuations.
"We have undertaken repairs on thermal and hydroelectric power plants, filled gas storage facilities, and initiated a project to expand the Banatski dvor storage capacity. Currently, around 440 million cubic meters of gas are stored in Banatski dvor and Hungary. We have also secured gas supplies from Russia and Azerbaijan," said Đedović Handanović.
She highlighted that collaboration with Azerbaijan and Russia ensures stable gas supplies:
“Serbia, in collaboration with Gazprom, enjoys a stable gas supply through the Balkans. The agreements with Azerbaijan provide additional security, allowing us to purchase up to two million cubic meters of gas per day this winter. This gas is essential for thermal power plants, industry, and as a future energy source for a planned gas power plant near Niš. A recent visit from an Azerbaijani delegation to Serbia will soon lead to an agreement on this strategically important project,” the minister added.
On November 15, 2023, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Srbijagas signed an agreement for the supply of up to 400 million cubic meters of gas from 2024 to 2026, with a potential increase from 2027. Additionally, SOCAR and Srbijagas agreed to supply an extra 1 million cubic meters of gas daily from November 1, 2024, to April 1, 2025.