The move follows the issuance of the necessary licences, allowing roughly 85,000 tonnes of crude to reach Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS) this week, a key step toward restarting refinery operations halted amid supply challenges.
Energy Minister Dubravka Đedović Handanović said officials expect the Pančevo facility to resume production around January 16, with the first diesel products hitting the market by late January, easing pressure on domestic fuel availability after months of uncertainty.
Additional shipments are anticipated in the coming week, which, together with existing domestic reserves, should support ongoing operations even beyond the current licence period.
The resumption of transport via JANAF comes amid broader efforts to navigate the impact of earlier sanctions and logistical disruptions, and underscores continued regional cooperation on energy infrastructure. Talks are also underway involving strategic partners such as Hungary’s MOL regarding ownership and long-term supply arrangements for Serbia’s oil sector.
