Harbaš: It is possible to store pellets and wait for the export ban to end

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Numerous European countries are turning to coal due to gas shortages caused by the war in Ukraine. Numerous price increases on a daily basis burden citizens, but the question also arises for essential energy sources ahead of an uncertain winter. How will the increase in gas prices affect the supply of this energy source?

"There should be no problems with gas supply, but the prices are questionable. As long as the war in Ukraine lasts, we can expect price increases in the future. We do not have reserves of natural gas, and the winter will be questionable only because of the prices. Turning to domestic sources is necessary; we have been talking about energy savings for decades, and the fact is that we are late, it's not five to twelve, but twelve and ten," says energy expert Nihad Harbaš.

Harbaš emphasized that Bosnia and Herzegovina is an energy-poor country and that more than 10 percent of the budget is spent on energy sources.

"Everyone is switching to alternatives, and companies are installing solar panels to produce electricity; poor legal regulations are causing them problems in implementation. If we look at oil prices, when derivatives become more expensive, everything becomes more expensive. Pellets have become more expensive. How will this affect things in the long run if the export of pellets is banned? Let's not forget that pellets can be stored, they will certainly be stored and exported further when the ban is lifted, and they will be more expensive. This is discrimination against one sector. Imagine if we banned exports for everyone, and companies live off that; it will have a negative impact on the economy," says Harbaš.

"We are always late in solving problems"

He is of the opinion that BiH is always late in solving this type of problem.

"These are also short-term solutions from the Government and will cause chaos in the market. The Law on Forests should be adopted, and thus producers could get pellets and use firewood. The population is returning to coal and other conventional energy sources. Legal business operations need to be established in the forestry sector. I fear that we are late in many things," Harbaš stated.