Croatia’s Minister of Economy Ante Šušnjar declared on Thursday that Croatia is ready to purchase the Serbian Oil Industry (NIS) if that proves to be the right solution, following the U.S. sanctions imposed on the Russian-owned company.
“If this is the solution, Croatia is ready to buy the Serbian Oil Industry (NIS), and our hand is extended,” Šušnjar said, commenting on the new sanctions.
He dismissed suggestions that the situation could jeopardize Croatia’s position in negotiations with MOL regarding the supply of oil to Hungary and Slovakia.
“No, not at all — because the Republic of Croatia, the European Union, and U.S. President Donald Trump have all made it clear that Russian oil imports must stop. As a loyal NATO and EU partner, we’ve invested heavily in our infrastructure. We’re ready to supply sufficient oil quantities to Hungary, Slovakia, and Serbia when geopolitical conditions allow,” the minister explained.
Šušnjar confirmed that Croatia is considering a potential acquisition of NIS, emphasizing readiness to act in order to ensure the continuity of JANAF’s operations and protect national energy interests.
“Our hand is extended — if that’s the solution, we’re ready for that option to secure JANAF’s business continuity and safeguard our national interests. The company has had close ties with NIS for over 40 years,” he noted.
The minister added that such a move could ease Serbia’s and Croatia’s economic positions while supporting regional stability.
He also highlighted that 20% of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s fuel market is supplied by the Pančevo refinery, calling it an additional challenge for the region.
“By the end of this month, we expect the modernization of the Rijeka refinery to be completed, which will significantly increase capacity and enable us to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina — and partially Serbia — with fuel supply,” Šušnjar told Croatian broadcaster HRT.
