Serbia has launched a public tender for the construction of a new crude oil pipeline linking the Hungarian border with Novi Sad, a project aimed at strengthening supply security by adding a second import route. The procurement, announced by Transnafta, covers construction works and expert supervision.
The pipeline would be 113 kilometers long, running from Kanjiza through Senta, Ada, Becej, and Zabalj to Novi Sad, with an annual capacity of 5.5 million tons. It is designed to transport REB (Russian Export Blend) crude, although Serbia has been unable to import Russian oil since late 2022 due to EU sanctions. The Ministry of Energy emphasized that the project’s importance lies in diversification, not dependence on a single source. Currently, Serbia relies mainly on the JANAF pipeline for crude imports, provided US sanctions do not restrict flows. Authorities say feasibility studies and spatial planning are complete, location permits are in progress, and construction could begin by mid-year.
The Ministry also highlighted broader regional plans, noting that Hungary and Slovakia are supplied via the southern branch of the Druzhba pipeline. Future links between Druzhba and the planned Sarmatia pipeline near Brody in Ukraine could eventually allow Caspian oil to reach Central and Southeastern Europe, opening additional options for Serbia. While JANAF is expected to remain the main supply route in the near term, officials argue that additional routes improve negotiating power and reduce risk. Serbia is also exploring the possibility of building product pipelines with Hungary and Romania, which would allow transport of petroleum products without relying on river, rail, or road logistics. A preliminary strategic assessment has already been conducted with Transnafta, and the concept has been discussed by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
Oil experts note that the future pipeline could also carry non-Russian crude if fed into Druzhba at suitable points, as demonstrated by Kazakh oil deliveries to Germany’s Schwedt refinery via the northern Druzhba branch, which reached about 1.4 million tons in 11 months of 2024 and around 2 million tons in 2025. From an economic perspective, transit via JANAF can cost up to €48 million annually, while operating a domestic pipeline is estimated at roughly €10 million per year. The project could be completed within 20 months if launched promptly, making it both financially and strategically attractive.