High-Stakes Energy Battle: The €2 Billion Bid for Serbia’s NIS

As the race to acquire Gazprom's stake in NIS intensifies, a surprise €2 billion bid has emerged, complicating ongoing negotiations.

The potential sale of the Russian-held 56.1% stake in Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS) has taken a dramatic turn. Businessman Ranko Mimović has confirmed a €2 billion bid for the shares, a figure significantly higher than the valuation currently under discussion with the Hungarian MOL Group.

While the offer has generated headlines, the Serbian government and Gazprom Neft remain skeptical. Official sources emphasize that the divestment process is strictly following regulatory channels, and discussions are currently exclusive to established energy partners capable of ensuring long-term operational stability.

The urgency behind the deal stems from U.S. sanctions, which have placed the vital Pančevo refinery under a temporary operating license. As the June 16 deadline for this license approaches, the government is prioritizing energy security, aiming to protect the facility that supplies 80% of Serbia’s domestic fuel market.