'For the future of the gas sector, a state law and resolution of previous issues are needed'

(Patria) - The reform of the gas sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina has been stalled for years. The Energy Community has imposed sanctions on BiH due to the lack of an adequate legal framework that complies with the requirements of the Energy Community Treaty, to which BiH is a signatory. Jasmin Salkić, director of BH Gas, in an interview with the Patria news agency, points out that BH Gas advocates the thesis that the gas problem in BiH should be viewed "from above", i.e., from the state law.

"By resolving this issue and adopting a state law, we will enable future traders to reach future customers with the cheapest possible gas. Then we will have room to expand the gas network as well," said Salkić.

He reveals that his colleagues from the BiH entity of Republika Srpska communicate differently at the table than "when the cameras are on."

"Internally, they understand where the problem lies, but as soon as the cameras turn on, they say it's politics," stated Salkić.

The director of BH Gas explains why and in which cases from RS they avoid the word 'unified' and why they avoid supporting a state law on gas.

"When we talk about technical rules, we all stick to entities, but when it's time to sell surplus gas, then the term 'unified market' is used. This contradicts each other. Therefore, space for profit is sought all the time, but when it comes to building a unified gas network at the BiH level, then it is a problem to use the word 'unified'. This is a problem we are trying to solve. We are trying to explain that BH Gas is not against Gas Res selling gas in the Federation tomorrow if needed, if it is cheaper. But, we must incorporate this into legal norms. All of this is contained in the Third Energy Package," says Salkić.

He believes that defining a deadline by which the gas law must be adopted at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina might be helpful.

"Don't forget that all countries in the region have one company that deals with gas transport, and trade is a different matter. High-pressure gas pipelines, the transport network should be managed and the system operated by one company. What it will be called and who will be the owner is a matter to be agreed upon. Otherwise, the state must supervise such a company. It is the same in Hungary and in all countries of the region. In this way, the trader is protected, so that the final consumer has the lowest possible price," explains Salkić.

In order to talk about the future of the gas sector in BiH, Salkić notes that it is necessary to resolve previous issues, such as, for example, BiH's war debt to Russia.

"RS does not want to pay this debt, and the data show that RS consumed 48 percent of the gas. This must be resolved," added Salkić.