If no buyer is found within that period, Serbia will introduce its own management into the company and offer the Russian side the highest possible price rather than moving immediately toward nationalisation.
Vučić said several ministers pushed for instant nationalisation, but his proposal prevailed, stressing that Serbia is prepared to bear the consequences during this period, including potential refinery shutdowns, to ensure stable market supply.
He emphasised that three months of negotiations on ownership changes is “more than enough,” given the pressure created by U.S. sanctions and the uncertainty surrounding OFAC’s operational licence for NIS.
The president noted that Serbia must allow time for partners from the UAE, Hungary and other countries who are in talks with Russia regarding NIS, adding that Belgrade cannot sell what it does not own. Vučić also reiterated his appeal to the U.S. to extend the licence, saying his assurances carry significant weight and that Serbia has done everything within its power to avoid disruptions.
