Vucic: Pancevo refinery may have to shut down due to low Danube water levels

“There are four key processes for which we require the Danube and its water. We are facing a great deal of trouble. We will do everything in our power, and I hope we won’t be forced to shut down the refinery. If we do have to stop operations, the Danube will likely become unnavigable within two or three days,” Vucic told reporters.

He also highlighted the numerous issues regarding oil price fluctuations on the international market.

“We will weather countless economic hurdles, and God forbid the refinery has to shut down again. I hope it won’t come to that. We can handle the financial and economic impact, but it becomes impossible to endure if price benchmarks continue to rise. There is simply no oil, no diesel,” Vucic said.

Despite questioning whether it is possible to prevail against nature, Vucic said that people do not yet need to be concerned, adding that he would notify them “when the situation warrants worry.”

An emergency meeting of the National Emergency Headquarters has been scheduled for Monday, August 3, to review the current situation and adopt measures to preserve energy stability.