Russian experts and diplomats claim that American sanctions on NIS will not cause a collapse, but that Serbia will have to find new solutions and business models
Introduction of American sanction against the Oil Industry of Serbia it caused a series of reactions from Moscow and Belgrade - doc Russian experts and diplomats say that the measures will not paralyze the company's work, but require adjustment, the NIS union assures the public that there will be no shortage of fuel, although citizens must temporarily get used to paying in cash.
The director of the Russian Energy Development Fund, Sergey Pikin, said that the US sanctions against NIS "are not lethal in themselves - they limit, but do not completely paralyze, the company's work."
He adds that dealing with sanctions requires strategic adaptation, which includes changing business models and finding viable alternative solutions.
"In the conditions of sanctions, there is no simple way out - only adjustment is possible depending on what kind of measures are applied. This means looking for detours, changing logistics chains. If sanctions are imposed on a specific company, especially if it is a large energy company, then the situation is more complicated. In such cases, solutions such as the establishment of new companies that would take over some functions of the sanctioned company are possible. Without illusions, something needs to be thought of," says Pikin.
When it comes to the possible development of the situation and future moves, Pikin points to several possible options and points out that the key decision will still be in Belgrade.
"Here, the question is more about what the Serbian government will decide and do in this situation. It resisted the introduction of those sanctions for a long time, there were various options, including the purchase of the Russian share. So the scenarios can be various," he said.
Pikin also assesses that this measure represents primarily targeted pressure from the West on Moscow's closest allies and countries that consistently maintain and do not interrupt cooperation with Russia, despite geopolitical tensions.
Bocan-Kharchenko: Russia will not turn its back on Serbia
The Ambassador of the Russian Federation Aleksandar Bocan-Kharchenko stated that the embassy is in constant contact with the management of the Oil Industry of Serbia and pointed out that the company is quite well prepared for this situation, because it was known that sooner or later there would be increased tension and the entry into force of American sanctions.
"They have supplies, they have the ability to manage. In any case, I don't think we should expect shortages, nor alarms on the market, even when it comes to Serbia's energy security," said Bocan-Harchenko for RT Balkan.
He said that there will be more contacts between NIS and the Serbian side and "Gazprom" and the Russian side, as well as between the governments of the two countries.
"I wouldn't talk about the details, nor about what is possible. I just want to say that today, when the sanctions were introduced, it is most important that we receive this without any heightened emotions, because it is not a surprise for us. The solution was adopted by the American side a long time ago, there were delays, but at the end of the day, it is a completely political solution, there is nothing related to the economy and energy in the background. It is a completely political solution," the Russian ambassador pointed out.
Trade unionist: There will be no layoffs
The president of the NIS union, Goran Takić, said that the management of the Oil Industry of Serbia never questioned the survival of jobs, as well as that this company has a sufficient amount of crude oil and derivatives.
"I visited four or five gas stations and everything is working normally. Since 12 o'clock yesterday, 'Visa' cards have not been accepted, but everything else is working. So, regardless of everything, there is no reason to worry when it comes to derivatives," Takić said in a guest appearance on RTS.
When asked how the purchase of fuel at NIS pumps will work in the future, Takić says that citizens will have to adapt to cash.
"Most likely, they will have to withdraw money at ATMs or banks. I don't believe that this will make citizens abandon NIS pumps, because they are located in the busiest locations. The transition to card payments is still ongoing, so I am not sure that this will be the key factor that will deter customers," said Takić.
He also stated that since the sanctions became the main problem, the union has increased communication with the management of the company.
"I expect the responsible shareholders to sit down, come to an agreement and find a solution to the problem. Now there is no more time, a solution must be found," said Takić.
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