NIS Asks the U.S. for a New License Beyond September 30 — Key to Oil Supply

The company NIS (Naftna industrija Srbije) has submitted a new request to the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for a special license that would allow it to continue its operations uninterrupted even after September 30, when its previous license expires.

The move comes against the backdrop of U.S. sanctions imposed on NIS because of its Russian majority ownership, which took effect in October 2025. Since then, OFAC has repeatedly extended the company’s operating deadline through special licenses, the latest of which expires on September 30, 2026.

Meanwhile, negotiations are underway for the sale of the Russian 56.15% stake to the Hungarian company MOL. OFAC’s decision on the new license is seen as decisive for the stability of oil derivatives supply on the Serbian market.

The oil refinery in Pančevo, near Belgrade, covers most of the domestic demand for fuel. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has described the situation as “complicated” and voiced concern about supply during the winter months.

Source: Pink / Novine Srbija