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Serbia’s NIS Seeks U.S. License to Keep Operating as Russian Owners Agree to Sell

Banks have halted payments, leaving the refinery warning it could run out of crude by November 25.

Overview

  • OFAC last week issued a license that permits only negotiations over a change in NIS ownership, valid through February 13, 2026.
  • NIS says it has applied for a special U.S. license that would allow continued operations while ownership talks proceed.
  • Serbia’s energy minister says Russian shareholders agreed in principle to sell their 56.15% controlling stake to an undisclosed buyer.
  • Crude deliveries via Croatia’s JANAF pipeline stopped after U.S. sanctions took effect in October, compounding banking restrictions.
  • Reports indicate MOL may pursue an 11.3% stake, and President Aleksandar Vucic says the state could buy shares if the main deal fails.