US mulls sanctions towards Serbian oil agency majority owned by Russians, president says

BELGRADE (Reuters) – The US will within the coming days introduce monetary sanctions towards Serbia’s oil firm NIS, which is majority owned by Russia’s Gazprom (MCX:GAZP) Neft and Gazprom, President Aleksandar Vucic stated on Friday.

“We acquired affirmation that within the subsequent few days, the U.S. will introduce sanctions towards NIS due to Russian possession,” Vucic informed Informer TV.

He stated the UK and European Union would seemingly comply with the U.S. in introducing sanctions, which is able to imply that oil shipments by a pipeline from Croatia are halted.

“We’re nonetheless ready to get an official paper with particulars,” Vucic stated.

The U.S. Treasury Division didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.

Serbia has repeatedly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine within the United Nations and different worldwide boards, nevertheless it has resisted Western stress to impose sanctions.

The Balkan nation relies on Russian fuel. Russia’s Gazprom Neft and Gazprom personal 50% and 6.15% of NIS, respectively. The federal government owns 29.87% whereas small shareholders maintain the remaining shares.

“We should look if there’s a chance to cut back Russian possession under 50% and to speak with Russian companions about it,” Vucic stated.