In a significant development for Serbia’s energy sector, the oil company NIS has successfully arranged for crude oil imports via the JANAF pipeline system. This move is crucial for resuming operations at the Pancevo refinery, which has been offline for several weeks due to supply constraints. The company anticipates that the first shipments will arrive within the coming week, marking a pivotal moment in stabilizing its production capabilities.
NIS has indicated that these initial deliveries will be supplemented by further crude oil imports, aimed at gradually normalizing supply levels. Concurrently, the company is preparing to initiate restart procedures at the Pancevo refinery, adhering to established operational protocols. This systematic approach underscores NIS’s commitment to restoring its production capacity efficiently.
The halt in operations at the Pancevo refinery began in early December, primarily due to a shortage of crude oil feedstock. This situation was exacerbated by sanctions imposed by the US Treasury, which limited NIS’s ability to procure oil and engage in essential financial transactions. However, relief came at the end of December when the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued a special license on December 31, 2025. This temporary authorization allowed NIS to resume critical operational activities until January 23, including crude oil imports and refinery processing.
With the logistics for crude oil deliveries now secured through JANAF, NIS is poised to restart its refinery operations. This development is expected to ensure a steady supply of fuel for the domestic market during the license period, thereby enhancing energy security in Serbia amidst ongoing regulatory challenges.
