Representatives of the Republika Srpska (RS) and Russia’s Gazprom met in St. Petersburg to discuss future gas supply arrangements, infrastructure development, and potential investment opportunities. Officials said they expect cooperation to continue on a long-term basis.
Long-term Russian gas deliveries and supply framework
After the talks, Nedeljko Elek, director of Sarajevo-Gas Istočno Sarajevo, said the discussions matched expectations that Bosnia and Herzegovina will continue receiving Russian natural gas on favorable commercial terms. He added that work is underway on a longer-term supply framework intended to provide greater certainty for future deliveries.
Planned RS gas network expansion across eastern and western areas
A key focus of the meeting was the planned expansion of the gas network in RS. Energy and Mining Minister Petar Đokić presented projects aimed at extending gas infrastructure across both eastern and western parts of the entity. Elek said consumption could eventually exceed one billion cubic meters annually.
The planned pipeline network is expected to be completed over a four-year period, though officials indicated that individual sections may be commissioned gradually. This approach would allow some municipalities to access natural gas before full completion. Expansion plans for Bijeljina and Doboj are expected to move into a more detailed phase as early as next year.
Potential Russian investment in power generation and district heating
The discussions also addressed possible Russian investment in energy infrastructure, including gas-fired power generation and district heating projects. Cities mentioned as potential locations for future development included Banja Luka, Bijeljina, and Doboj.
Elek noted that any future supply arrangements with Gazprom would extend beyond Republika Srpska due to the interconnected nature of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s broader gas market.
