DODIK: SRPSKA WILL HAVE NO GAS SUPPLY PROBLEMS, QUANTITIES SECURED FOR HEATING SEASON

BANJA LUKA, OCTOBER 21 /SRNA/ – President Milorad Dodik said, in reference to Brussels' decision to ban the transit of Russian gas through the EU starting January 1, 2026, that Republika Srpska, together with its partners, has secured sufficient gas reserves for this heating season.

Dodik stated that he believes Republika Srpska will not face gas supply problems, noting that it is not a major consumer of this energy source.

"Together with our partners, we have agreed to secure certain reserves for this heating season. What will happen with Sarajevo - I have no idea. Even when I helped make gas cheaper, they didn't appreciate it. I think we will not have a problem with gas, but it all depends on how operational that decision is," Dodik told reporters in Banja Luka.

He pointed out that Republika Srpska is not prohibited from using gas, nor can anyone ban it, but the problem lies in the ban on transit through the EU.

Dodik added that there is an alternative, but it involves complex procedures, such as changing technology, supply chains, and establishing a plant that would convert compressed gas into liquid form.

"These are all problems imposed on us by irresponsible European policies," Dodik said.