ELEK: REDUCING FUEL EXCISE TAXES NOT A SOLUTION, IT HARMS BUDGET

BANJA LUKA, MARCH 23 /SRNA/ - Nedeljko Elek, director of Sarajevo-gas in Istočno Sarajevo, said today that he opposes the opposition's demands to reduce fuel excise taxes, as this could endanger the budget.

Elek stated that irrational bureaucratic policies from Brussels are hindering the procurement of cheap Russian energy resources.

"All our problems are in Brussels, and they are related to transport operators, long waiting times at the border, and the high price of oil… There, oil prices change from hour to hour," Elek said.

He called on citizens in Republika Srpska not to stockpile fuel, noting that Republika Srpska has all the technical capabilities to procure both gas and oil from Russia at low prices, adding that their prices are guaranteed under signed contracts.

Regarding the connection of households to the gas distribution network in Republika Srpska, Elek explained that it is being implemented in several phases - the first was the development of gas distribution network in Istočno Sarajevo, completed with the connection of the heating plant to the gas distribution network; a gas station has also been built in Pale and the entire Jahorina area has been connected to the gas distribution network.

He emphasized that the development of the gas distribution network is currently underway in the municipalities of Šekovići, Milići, Han Pijesak, and Vlasenica, which, as he stated, is expected to be completed in August.

"Design work, public calls, and the tender process have been completed for the largest investment in the history of Republika Srpska, worth BAM 800 million - BAM 1.02 billion including VAT - for the development of the gas distribution network in the western part of Republika Srpska. We are starting this project in August," Elek said.

He said that all of this had involved intensive work, noting that all preparations and meetings were coordinated by SNSD president Milorad Dodik.

"At his initiative, we will be in Banja Luka within 14 months," Elek added.

He told ATV that air pollution is one of the biggest problems in Banja Luka, pointing out that the development of the natural gas network in the city will significantly help resolve this issue.

According to Elek, this will also provide access to a cheap energy source and will boost economic productivity and the development of industrial zones.

He reminded that a cubic meter of gas currently costs one KM in East Sarajevo, while a cubic meter of water costs 1.50 KM.

Elek expressed satisfaction that along the route covering 18 cities and municipalities, all mayors and local officials are cooperating well, regardless of political affiliation.

Speaking about the global gas market, Elek said that the gas pipeline through Republika Srpska will also serve as a transit pipeline /four billion cubic meters, of which two billion will be for transit/, given the existing connections with both Serbia and Croatia.

"This energy pilot project of ours is a major development opportunity for Republika Srpska," Elek said.

He assessed that the evident price increases are not the result of economic factors, but of global political relations, as there is enough oil and gas in the world.

Speaking about the upcoming Energy Summit in Trebinje, Elek said it will be a very important gathering for improving the energy system of Republika Srpska.