Serbia is reportedly seeking a long-term contract with energy giant Gazprom

Moscow and Belgrade are negotiating a long-term deal for increased gas deliveries to Serbia after the current contract expires in September, the Russian Embassy in Belgrade has told Izvestia.

The landlocked Balkan country relies heavily on Russian energy supplies, and has refused to support Western sanctions on Moscow over the Ukraine conflict.

The existing agreement, which allows Belgrade to buy gas at a favorable price, was recently extended through September, ensuring continued deliveries amid ongoing negotiations for a long-term contract.

"Negotiations on the continuation of Russian gas supplies to Serbia after this date are underway," the embassy told the news outlet on Monday.

Under the terms of the extension, Gazprom will supply Serbia with 6.1 million cubic meters of gas per day at a price of €290 per 1,000 cubic meters. The rate is below the current European average of around €360, according to Dusan Bajatovic, the CEO of Srbijagas, Serbia's state-owned gas importer and distributor.

Serbian Ambassador to Russia Momcilo Babic also confirmed that the new supply contract is being discussed, adding that boosting gas deliveries was agreed upon at a meeting in Moscow between Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 9. Vucic visited the Russian capital last month to attend the Victory Day celebrations.

"This question was resolved at the meeting of the two presidents," he was quoted as saying.

Babic said, however, that no date has been set for signing the deal and that the specific volumes of future supplies have yet to be determined.

Serbia currently receives Russian gas via the TurkStream pipeline, which transits through Türkiye and Bulgaria. The country relies on Russian gas for over 80% of its consumption.

Energy experts cited by Izvestia have warned that raising gas volumes may not be technically possible without reopening major transit routes such as Nord Stream, the Yamal-Europe pipeline, or restoring flows through Ukraine.

(RT.com)