Serbia’s state-owned pipeline operator, Transnafta, has launched a public tender aimed at constructing a new cross-border pipeline that will connect Hungary to Novi Sad. This initiative is part of Serbia’s strategic efforts to diversify its crude oil supply routes and reduce dependency on existing import corridors.
Currently, Serbia relies solely on the JANAF pipeline from Croatia for its crude oil imports, a situation that poses potential long-term supply risks. The new pipeline project is seen as a critical infrastructure investment designed to mitigate these vulnerabilities by introducing alternative supply routes.
The proposed pipeline will facilitate oil deliveries from Hungary, which serves as a crucial transit point for the Druzhba pipeline system, known for transporting Russian Export Blend crude across Europe. This infrastructure is specifically engineered to accommodate this type of oil, thereby broadening Serbia’s access to diverse inflow options.
Within Serbian territory, the pipeline will commence near the Horgoš border crossing and conclude at Transnafta’s oil terminal in Novi Sad. The underground segment is projected to span approximately 113 kilometers and has the capacity to manage up to 5.5 million tons of crude oil annually. The route will traverse several municipalities including Kanjiža, Senta, Ada, Bečej, Žabalj, and the city of Novi Sad, incorporating necessary facilities for safe and efficient operations.
Although the tender documents do not disclose the specific contract value, preliminary estimates suggest that the cost for the Serbian section could reach up to €157 million. Bidders interested in participating in this project have until 5 February to submit their proposals.
