The oil industry of Serbia asked the United States of America to postpone the adoption of sanctions The oil industry of Serbia for a minimum of 90 days, Serbian Mining and Energy Minister Dubravka Đedović Handanović announced on Tuesday (February 4).
"Given the importance of NIS- for the Serbian, but also the regional economy, we urgently request OFAC to consider immediate assistance, in the form of a delay sanction for a minimum of 90 days, while a sustainable solution that would lead to the lifting of sanctions is being considered," the statement signed by the minister states.
The request was supported by the Governments of Serbia and Hungary, it is stated.
"A request related to obtaining general or special licenses that would enable NIS to maintain operations while an acceptable solution to the ownership structure and management is sought, with the aim of the company, which is regionally and strategically important for energy stability, continuing to operate," it was explained in the statement.
It is added that the Government of Serbia supports the request for the issuance of such a license to NIS, because, as stated, sanctions would impair the company's ability to supply the citizens of Serbia with oil and oil derivatives.
The statement adds that NIS employees and citizens "have no reason to worry" and reminds that American officials have clearly reiterated several times that the sanctions are not directed against Serbia and its inhabitants.
What sanctions did the USA impose on NIS?
On January 10, the United States placed NIS on the sanctions list for its stake in the Russian company Gazprom Neft in order to prevent Russia from using energy revenues for the war in Ukraine.
The Russian companies Gazprom Neft and Gazprom have the majority stake in NIS (56,15 percent), while Serbia owns almost a third of the ownership share.
The US demands that Russia must give in completely came out of ownership in the Oil Industry of Serbia.
This change should happen by the end of February, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said after the introduction of sanctions against the company.
