Serbia has commenced operations at a new fuel storage facility in Smederevo, a strategic move aimed at bolstering the nation’s energy reserves. The facility is designed to accommodate six storage tanks, with the initial shipments of eurodiesel already arriving via river transport, marking the start of filling operations.
According to Energy and Mining Minister Dubravka Đedovic, this infrastructure development significantly enhances supply security for both residential and commercial sectors. The Serbian government has been proactive in securing the stability of its oil sector over the past year, utilizing diplomatic efforts to address challenges surrounding the oil company NIS and aiming to lift sanctions that have impacted its operations.
Of the six planned tanks, four are projected to be operational by mid-April, providing a total capacity of 64,000 tons of eurodiesel. The remaining two tanks are expected to be operational by mid-February, contributing an additional 32,000 tons. Upon completion, the facility will offer nearly 100,000 tons of fuel storage capacity, which is critical for maintaining supply stability.
The Minister highlighted that these storage volumes serve as a substantial safety buffer, particularly given Serbia’s average daily consumption of approximately 5,000 to 5,500 tons of eurodiesel. With these reserves in place, Serbia is better positioned to withstand potential supply disruptions and fluctuations in market conditions. Furthermore, it has been noted that Serbia has successfully doubled its oil product reserves over the last four years.
The Smederevo site carries historical significance as it suffered extensive damage during the NATO air strikes in 1999. The reconstruction and modernization efforts at this location represent a crucial advancement in revitalizing Serbia’s energy infrastructure.
