**Serbian Oil Firm NIS Struggles to Buy Oil Amid US Sanctions**
A Serbian oil company, NIS, is facing difficulties in purchasing oil from international traders due to the impact of US sanctions. Despite receiving waivers, NIS has been struggling to buy crude oil and other fuel products.
NIS, which is majority-owned by Russia‘s Gazprom Neft and Gazprom, operates the only oil refinery in Serbia. The company supplies around 80% of the country’s gasoline and diesel, as well as most of its jet fuel and heavy fuel oil. However, due to the US sanctions, NIS has cancelled its 2025 tender for crude oil purchases.
Instead, the company is making shorter-term purchases from international trading houses that are still willing to do business with it. This change in procurement strategy was not previously reported.
**Consequences of US Sanctions**
The struggles faced by NIS highlight the potential consequences of US sanctions taking effect. If the sanctions were to fully impact the company, it could lead to fuel shortages and disruptions in Serbia’s energy security.
One trader reported that imports alone would struggle to cover Serbia’s diesel demand and gasoline consumption due to limited capacity and infrastructure for barges, railcars, and trucks.
**Other Fuel Suppliers Fill the Gap**
In response to NIS’ struggles, other fuel suppliers have started importing key transport fuels from abroad. Austrian-owned OMV and Greek-owned Eko are now importing fuels on Danube river barges from their other European refineries.
While these imports can help meet some of Serbia’s fuel demands, they would not be enough to cover the country’s entire needs. This has sparked concerns about potential fuel shortages and disruptions in the future.
**NIS Responds to Concerns**
In response to the concerns, NIS said it was “prepared to fulfill all contractual obligations” and that its Pancevo oil refinery was operating normally. However, the company’s struggles highlight the challenges posed by US sanctions on Serbia’s energy security.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how NIS will adapt to these changing circumstances and what impact the US sanctions will have on the country’s fuel supplies.