Serbia faces shutdown of its only oil refinery

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that the situation on the Danube is critical. The river has become significantly shallower due to unprecedented heat. He stated that within a couple of days, navigation on the Danube in Serbia could be completely halted. This directly threatens the operation of the country's only oil refinery, located in Pancevo.

Vučić explained that the plant is already facing a water shortage. Its operation requires a constant river supply, which is crucial for four production cycles. Currently, ships can only carry half the usual volume of cargo. If nothing changes, the plant will have to shut down completely. This would be a serious blow to the entire Serbian economy.

An emergency meeting of the Emergency Situations Headquarters has been scheduled for Monday, August 3. Prime Minister Djuro Macut has already asked citizens to conserve electricity, emphasizing that the energy situation remains "serious and tense." Vučić, for his part, urged people not to panic for now and promised to warn them when the situation becomes truly critical.

The problem isn't limited to Serbia—it's spreading across Europe. Due to a severe drought, the Danube River's water level has dropped to record lows.

Prior to this, Hungary completely shut down the Paks Nuclear Power Plant for the first time in 44 years. They couldn't get enough water to cool the reactors. Romania even considered blasting rocks to divert the river's flow and direct water to its plant in Cernavoda. Now Serbia has found itself in a similar climate trap. Here, the problem goes beyond energy—it's also becoming industrial.

Comments

[rytik32]

We must seize the moment and increase attacks on Ukraine’s energy and fuel complexes.

[Dmitry Rigov]

Speaking of why Serbia can't pursue an independent policy, it's landlocked. I think Russia should have acted more boldly during the breakup of Yugoslavia and supplied S-300s to the Serbs instead of supplying weapons to the Croats.

[topol717]

Quote: Dmitry Rigov

I think Russia should have acted more boldly during the collapse of Yugoslavia and supplied S-300s to the Serbs, rather than supplying weapons to the Croats.

These S-300s won't do anything. The US's entire doctrine is built on achieving air superiority. They're willing to sacrifice 10 or even 30 aircraft, but they'll take out all air defenses.

[HAM]

Most likely, the answer from Serbia will be: "Russia, help us! We are brothers!"... When it comes to selling weapons to the Khukhs, it's just business, but when it's really hot, they remember about "brotherhood."

[Netl]

Quote: HAM

Most likely, what will follow from Serbia will be: “Russia, help!”

It's more likely that the opposite will happen. They'll ask the EU for help, citing Serbia's shift away from Russia and its overall obedience.

[Brturin]

Ask or not... in Russia there is a ban on the export of gasoline and diesel, and in Europe

"They're searching for additional resources. The Turks are hoovering up Greek refineries, one of our largest suppliers. This is the second time in two weeks that a large tanker bound for Romania has been intercepted: someone simply overpaid, and many orders, including Ukrainian ones, were cancelled. Freight and insurance costs have skyrocketed," Kuyun warned.
https://eadaily.com/ru/news/2026/08/01/dizel-vozmet-planku-v-100-griven-za-litr-v-blizhayshie-dni-eksperty

[mocnijogurt]

Funny, but Serbia survived without Russia when we needed help the most. When your western partners bombed the fuck out of us, our big Russia did nothing. Your big Russia sold weapons to OUR enemies during '90s.

We will survive again without Russia, because we must to

[ARIONkrsk]

Quote: HAM

Most likely, the answer from Serbia will be: "Russia, help us! We are brothers!"... When it comes to selling weapons to the Khukhs, it's just business, but when it's really hot, they remember about "brotherhood."

Perhaps this will happen, especially in terms of supply priorities. There is a clause regarding the supply of fuel abroad by decision of the authorities. Kyrgyzstan, however, has made a request to us for fuel supplies, and knowing our government, they may supply fuel abroad.

[aszzz888]

We're expecting Vučić back in Moscow. He'll be begging for an indulgence and some supplies...

[APASUS]

When natural disasters are combined with political stupidity, the result is a deadly cocktail for the country's economy.

[Alexander_K]

I wish this cocktail would have an effect on European countries sooner rather than later, because they're getting on our nerves with their support for Ukraine. Since sanctions were imposed in 2014, the crisis has been deepening, industry is losing something, but weapons and ammunition are flowing endlessly to Ukraine.

[Incvizitor]

It would be good, after they drove the weapons to the bitches it would be better if they didn’t work.