Serbia's only oil refinery may suspend operations due to low water levels in the Danube

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that the country is facing enormous energy problems, noting that due to the low water level in the Danube, the oil refinery in Pančevo may have to temporarily suspend operations. This was reported by the N1 portal, according to Європейська правда.

He noted that the Danube is currently navigable, but loads need to be reduced to 50 percent.

"There are four technological processes for which we need the Danube and water. We have a lot of problems. We will do everything in our power, and I hope we will not have to shut down the oil refinery. But if we have to, then within two or three days the Danube will become unnavigable", said Vučić.

Vučić also noted that there are numerous problems with oil prices on the international market.

"We will survive many economic problems and another shutdown of the oil refinery, God forbid. I hope it will not be necessary. We can endure all this financially, economically, but it is impossible to endure if prices continue to rise. There is neither oil nor diesel fuel", said Vučić.

Although Vučić noted that the question is whether "we can" fight nature, he also added that citizens should not worry for now, and that he will inform them "when the time comes to worry."

An extraordinary session of the Republic's Emergency Situations Headquarters is scheduled for Monday, August 3, to discuss the current situation and measures taken to ensure energy stability.

Prime Minister Đuro Macut called on citizens to rationally use electricity in the coming days due to the prolonged heat and increased consumption, adding that the situation in the energy sector is "serious and complex."

Recall that on Sunday, Romania's Ministry of Defense began an operation to blast rock on the Danube to redirect water flow to the nuclear power plant in Cernavodă, and will continue work on Monday.

The purpose of the operation is to divert part of the flow from the Bala branch to the Old Danube branch to ensure the necessary water supply for the operation of the nuclear power plant in Cernavodă.

The need for such measures arose due to a sharp drop in the water level of the Danube, which has become the lowest in 30 years in Romania. This has put serious pressure on the country's energy system.