Energoinvest: We Could Not Accept the Ultimatum and 'War Threat' from Sarajevo-gas Istočno Sarajevo

(Patria) - Energoinvest d.d. Sarajevo informs the public and especially natural gas users and consumers that in recent days it has been faced with unilateral ultimative and financially completely unrealistic demands from the natural gas transporter from the Republika Srpska, Sarajevo-gas Istočno Sarajevo, regarding the price and conditions of gas transport, which relate to the part of the transport route managed by Sarajevo-gas - Istočno Sarajevo.

The demand from Sarajevo-gas Istočno Sarajevo was ultimative, accompanied by a written threat of unilateral valve closure and prevention of gas transport to Sarajevo Canton.

"Given that the demand for a new transport price for 2024, reduced to the length of the route managed by Sarajevo-gas Istočno Sarajevo, was twice as high as the price of BH Gas, and that even the Gas Regulator from RS did not approve the demand and give its consent, Energoinvest could not accept such conditions, especially when backed by the already known 'war threat' of valve closure, as they would cause a chain reaction and enormous increase in gas transport prices by the other two transporters in BiH.

Calls for negotiated agreement and warnings about the consequences of the threat were rejected by the transporter Sarajevogas - Istočno Sarajevo, and the threat of valve closure was confirmed in writing. In order to avoid public alarm, Energoinvest has not disclosed these threats and ultimatums to the public until now, but has taken all measures within its own capabilities and responsibilities to resolve the problem.

This included:

Detailed briefing of the Government of the Federation of BiH on the problem and a request for urgent involvement in contacting and negotiating with representatives of the Government of Republika Srpska, which was done by the Government of the Federation of BiH at multiple levels, based on which an appropriate agreement was reached yesterday, December 28, 2023.

Despite everything, yesterday, December 28, 2023, Energoinvest invited all participants in gas operations to inform them about the problem and the activation of all necessary alternative actions in case the threat materializes. Unfortunately, today, December 29, 2023, the transporter Sarajevo-gas Istočno Sarajevo again confirmed in writing its intention to close the gas supply valve as of January 1, 2024, at 6 a.m.

For its part, Energoinvest has again informed the relevant minister and representatives of the Government of the Federation of BiH, who are the only ones competent to demand the involvement of relevant domestic and present international bodies to ensure the unimpeded flow of goods and services throughout BiH.

Expecting that Sarajevogas-Istočno Sarajevo will respond to today's repeated call for a reasonable agreement, we ask citizens and gas users for patience and understanding. Energoinvest will inform the public in a timely manner about all further developments and attempts to resolve the problem," stated Energoinvest.