RFE reports that Azerbaijan has suspended its daily supply of 1.7 million cubic meters of natural gas to Serbia due to “problems” it is currently facing, and this news was stated by the Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić on Saturday.
“We have been informed by Azerbaijan that, starting today, we can no longer rely on the daily gas supply. They are dealing with their own issues,” Vučić stated, adding that Serbia will now begin utilizing its gas reserves until the situation is resolved.
Serbia’s Preparedness
Vučić emphasized that Serbia’s foresight in building up reserves will help mitigate the impact of the supply suspension.
“We have stored reserves, and I hope they resolve their issues within a month or two. If not, over the next four months, we’ll rely on our reserves. There will be no shortage of gas or oil,” he reassured.
Strategic Context
This development follows a broader geopolitical shift, as the U.S. recently imposed sanctions on Serbia’s state-controlled oil company, NIS (Naftna Industrija Srbije), demanding the removal of Russian ownership.
Serbia had signed a gas supply agreement with Azerbaijan in September 2024 to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependence on Russian gas, which has been the primary supplier for over 25 years. This agreement was facilitated by a newly built gas pipeline in Bulgaria, partially funded by the European Union.
Potential Implications
The suspension of Azerbaijani gas, combined with recent U.S. sanctions, could place Serbia under significant energy pressure, highlighting the strategic importance of its energy diversification efforts.
Energy Minister Dubravka Handanović-Gjédović previously assured that Serbia would have secure gas deliveries of around one million cubic meters during winter, but this suspension raises concerns about whether these projections can be met.
