The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) has earmarked additional resources to advance the reconstruction of the oil terminal in Živinice, a strategic move aimed at bolstering fuel security and enhancing storage capacity. The Federal Energy, Mining and Industry Minister, Vedran Lakić, formalized this commitment by signing an agreement with Operator-Terminali FBiH, securing approximately €250,000 for the next phase of the project.
This funding will facilitate the second phase of restoration efforts focused on revitalizing the storage infrastructure for crude oil and petroleum products. The initiative aims to bring a portion of the terminal’s operational capacity back online, thereby strengthening mandatory reserves essential for emergency situations. Additionally, it will allow for the leasing of storage space to fuel distributors, which is expected to contribute to a more stable market supply.
Officials have characterized this project as part of a larger initiative to modernize energy infrastructure throughout the Federation. Minister Lakić underscored that rehabilitating the Živinice terminal is among several priority investments, with plans to further enhance oil storage facilities in various locations across the entity.
Looking ahead, Minister Lakić mentioned future developments, including plans for terminal infrastructure in Mostar. This is part of a broader strategy designed to improve fuel security within the Federation. He emphasized that the objective extends beyond merely restoring existing assets; it also involves creating a more reliable and contemporary energy system capable of ensuring long-term stability.
Lakić framed this investment as critical for achieving strategic resilience, asserting that energy security should be regarded as a tangible institutional responsibility rather than merely a theoretical policy framework. By enhancing fuel storage capabilities, he noted that FBiH can better withstand supply disruptions and maintain operational continuity during market crises.
Operator-Terminali FBiH highlighted the project’s significance in light of current international dynamics, where fluctuations in commodity markets and disruptions in transport routes have revealed vulnerabilities within supply chains across Europe. The company emphasized that maintaining reserve capacity and domestic storage is vital for establishing a credible energy security framework.
The management further pointed out that the Živinice terminal holds particular importance for Tuzla and the wider northern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Improved logistics and reserve capacity from this project could directly contribute to market stability. Moreover, they referenced the recent reopening of the Blažuj terminal as evidence that oil storage is becoming increasingly central to government energy policy.
