Serbia's energy network operator informed about the extension of the Russian gas deal on May 26.
The extension of the gas deal between Russia and Serbia until September 30 would allow Serbia to increase its reserves "before winter", Mr. Dusan Bajatovi, head of state-owned grid operator Srbijagas, shared on RTS TV.
"We have guaranteed 6 million cubic metres of gas per day, at around €290 per 1,000 cubic metres, while the current market price is around €360," he added.
Srbijagas said the extension of the low-cost gas deal with Russia would mean the company would be well prepared for energy needs in the winter.
Subsequent talks with Russia are scheduled to take place from September 18 to 21 in Saint Petersburg, Russia as part of an economic forum, Mr. Bajatovic revealed.
Russia is currently the main gas supplier to Serbia. Belgrade is paying 275 USD for 1,000 m3 of gas under an existing contract with Moscow. This contract was originally scheduled to expire at the end of May but has now been extended to the end of September.
This price is much lower than the current gas price on the market in Europe.
The gas deal was reached after a meeting between Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow earlier this month.
Serbia is not yet a member of the EU but is in the process of negotiating to join the bloc. The country still maintains close ties with Russia and has not joined the EU in imposing sanctions on Russia.
