economy
February 17, 2026
Đedović Handanović: By the end of the week, I expect a decision on extending NIS's operating license
Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović stated today that the extension of the operating license for which Naftna industrija Srbije (NIS) submitted a request to the American administration is expected by the end of the week. "NIS submitted a request for an operating license extension. This means it can continue to be supplied with crude oil and the Refinery can continue to operate. We supported this request in the sense that while negotiations between Hungarian MOL and Gazprom Neft are ongoing, NIS can continue to operate," Đedović Handanović told RTS.
TL;DR
- A decision on extending NIS's operating license is expected by the end of the week.
- The extension will allow NIS to continue crude oil supply and refinery operations during ongoing negotiations between Gazprom Neft and MOL for the sale of Russian shares.
- Negotiations for the sale of Russian shares in NIS are expected to conclude with a purchase agreement signed in March.
- Serbia is developing a strategic energy sector, including plans for a 500-megawatt gas power plant in Niš in cooperation with Azerbaijan.
- The new gas power plant will serve as an additional source of baseload energy, supporting the integration of renewables and meeting increased electricity demands.
- Serbia has sufficient reserves of oil derivatives, with new storage capacity of 120,000 cubic meters added in Smederevo.
- Discussions with Azerbaijan also include increasing gas supply, with a projected rise to one billion cubic meters annually from 2027.
- Efforts are underway to increase coal production, with new mining systems planned and a record output achieved in Kostolac in the past year.
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